So you’re a legend of the game, and appearing on live TV. You think of the most cunning ways to poke fun at your host for not having the best grasp at German, but would never make a remark that is a symbol of racism, and also banned in Germany? Well, Marco van Basten did just that.
The Dutch hall of fame, who previously managed Ajax and the national team, was present for an interview with FOX Sports, along with Heracles Almelo manager Frank Wormuth. The host, Hans Kraay Jr, was having some difficulty in speaking German, which the AC Milan legend picked up to make fun of.
Under the impression that the show is over and his his voice is not being broadcasted over the mic, Van Basten told Kraay: “Not too pretty, sieg heil, pfannkuchen.”
Remarking the infamous Nazi salute, which is illegal in Germany, the 55 year old realised his mistake after being approached by FOX, and apologised publicly.
“I didn’t mean to shock people, I just wanted to ridicule Hans’ German, but I’m sorry.” van Basten said.
The three times Ballon d’Or winner, who also won 3 Eredivise and 3 Serie A titles, has 58 caps for the national team, and lifted the 1988 European Championship.
