Former soccer player Stefany Ferrer Van Ginkel just reminded us why professionals in women’s soccer are the most insufferable group of athletes in the world.
Van Ginkel and her husband, Samim Haydari, were driving in Beverly Hills, CA, when they came across a group of pro-Israel demonstrators. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, Van Ginkel got the brilliant idea to flash the “Sieg Hiel” salute, a mere several feet from the crowd.
Beverly Hills, CA - car driving by a pro Israel rally yesterday stopped to shout “Heil Hitler” then proceeded to throw up a Nazi salute (caught on camera).
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) November 6, 2023
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Now we don’t know what exactly happened before Van Ginkel made the gesture. The crowd was yelling “Shame on you!” during the video, so something fairly noteworthy obviously happened.
But frankly, what happened beforehand is irrelevant. If it gets to the point where you feel like it's fine to flash the Nazi salute at a group of Jewish supporters, you’re automatically in the wrong. And the shameless look on her face indicates she was somewhat happy about doing it.
Van Ginkel last played professional soccer for Angel City Football Club (ACFC) of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). ACFC released a statement rebuking Van Ginkel for her disgusting actions.
Related: German Soccer Club Releases Player Who Posted Antisemitic Messages
“Stefany Ferrer Van Ginkel does not play for Angel City Football Club, nor has she been affiliated with the club since November 2022. We condemn her recent actions and statements,” the club said.
After letting her stupidity sink in, Van Ginkel and Haydari issued a video apology for their actions.
“I know we have approached the situation with hate and made it worse with our actions,” Haydari said. “We acted childish … All we can do is become better [and] learn a lesson from this. We cannot change the past.”
While the apology might be enough for people to extend them forgiveness, it didn’t undo the damage to a business the couple just started.
In a since-deleted Instagram post, Van Ginkel and Haydari launched a brand called “Juega Bonita,” which was intended to grow the sport of women’s soccer. Unsurprisingly, that brand no longer exists. I think they got the memo that being antisemitic won’t get you anywhere in the business world, and it certainly won’t grow the sport of women’s soccer on any level.
While it’s good that Van Ginkel eventually apologized, it’s just another reminder that the sport of women’s soccer boasts no appeal because of the arrogance of these athletes.
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