Chelsea new boy Mykhaylo Mudryk apologises after 'using N-word in video clip'

Mykhaylo Mudryk has issued an apology for saying the N-word in a now-deleted viral TikTok video he posted prior to joining Chelsea in the January transfer window

Posted Tuesday, January 31, 2023 by Dailystar.co.uk

Mykhailo Mudryk has issued an apology for his use of the racial slur

Chelsea star Mykhaylo Mudryk has issued an apology after he was heard using the N-word in a video clip.

Mudryk repeated the racial slur in a TikTok he uploaded last July as he recited lyrics from US rapper Lil Baby’s 2017 hit Freestyle. It was viewed over 200,000 times before being taken down.

His representative told The Sun: “Mykhailo is deeply sorry for any offence caused by the video posted on his TikTok account last July. Whilst his intention was solely to recite lyrics of a song, Mykhailo regrets his decision and wholeheartedly accepts it was not appropriate. The video has since been removed.”

Mudryk, who moved to Stamford Bridge earlier in the January transfer window in a deal worth up to £88million from Shahktar Donetsk, stood next to an Audi sports car with a friend in the 40-second long clip.

They put their hands on their chest and sung along to the song, which features the N-word 16 times in its two minutes and 43 seconds duration.

The video gained traction on social media after his move to Chelsea was completed but has only just been acknowledged by Mudryk and his team.

He also caused controversy this week by posting an Israel flag on his Instagram story amid their ongoing conflict with Palestine.

Anti-racism group Kick It Out said they were "encouraged" by Mudryk's remorse. “Kick It Out condemns the use of all racial slurs, including the N-word irrespective of context," they responded.

“The N-word is deeply offensive and the use of this term by high-profile figures in football can only serve to alienate people from the game. It is important that footballers use their significant platform in a positive way, and we’re encouraged to see that Mykhailo Mudryk has acknowledged the hurt caused by his use of this offensive slur.”