‘ We never wanted to offend or mock Osimhen ‘ – Napoli release statement to address controversial TikTok content

Napoli have released a statement to address the controversial TikTok content involving Victor Osimhen, saying it was never intended to offend or mock him.

After Napoli’s goalless draw vs Bologna last weekend, a video content on the Serie A champions TikTok account, made offensive cruise of the penalty miss by Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.

The video was taken down after heavy criticism by fans who saw it as a disrespect for a player who fired the club to Italian Serie A glory last season.

Osimhen’s agent had in a public statement announced the forward was considering taking legal action against Napoli over the incident.

However, Osimhen shook off the off-field incidents to score in Napoli’s 4-1 win over Udinese, but that has not taken away wide criticism on the club, especially from Nigerians who are camped on the clubs official social media handles with the hashtag, #RespectVictorOsimhen.

In response to the concerns, Napoli on Thursday September 28, 2023 released a statement explaining the intent of the controversial TikTok content.

“Calcio Napoli, wishing to avoid any exploitation of the issue, point out that we never wanted to offend or mock Victor Osimhen, who is a treasure of this club”.

“As proof of that, during the summer training retreat, the Club firmly rebuffed every offer that was received for the striker’s transfer abroad”.

“Social media, in particular TikTok, has always used an expressive form of language with a light heart and creativity, without wanting to, as in the case with Osimhen as protagonist, have any intention of insult or derision”.

“In any case, if Victor perceived any offence towards him, this was not what the club intended”. Napoli said.