An American TV reporter has apologised after a poor attempt at banter drew the ire of the USA’s round-of-32 World Cup opponent. During a live cross for ABC7 after the USA’s 3-2 defeat to Turkey, Abigail Velez declared proudly that she had no idea where to find Bosnia on a map and didn’t know a thing about the Balkan country.
Viral On-Air Gaffe
“One thing about Bosnia, I could not point out where it is on a map,” Velez said. “I don’t know the first thing about Bosnia, and I don’t wanna know. That’s because Team USA, we’re back, we’re better than ever. That’s next Wednesday. Get prepared, Bosnia, because you don’t want it. You don’t want it like that. But you’re gonna get it.”
Backlash from Bosnian Football
Bosnian Football’s official social media account led a flood of responses to the on-air gaffe. “My goodness, the stereotypes write themselves……,” Bosnian Football wrote. In a second post, they added: “To make things worse, the President of ABC News is get this…..a Bosnian!”
Apology Issued
Abigail Velez released a statement on Sunday morning (AEST) apologising for her antics. “In a poor effort to have a little fun with World Cup competition, I took it too far and made a thoughtless comment on air that was insensitive and inappropriate,” she wrote. “I apologise to the people of Bosnia and the Bosnian football team. The World Cup is supposed to be about uniting communities around the world, and my comment didn’t reflect that spirit. Wishing all the teams the very best as they continue their World Cup journey.”
Criticism from the Football World
The apology came after a barrage of criticism from the football world. “Why would you wear ignorance as a badge of honour?” respected commentator Kevin Hatchard wrote. “’I can’t even find Bosnia on a map’ isn’t the mic drop moment you think it is,” journalist Nima Tavallaey Roodsari added.
