River Plate’s fans have been issued an apology after their players were snubbed before their Club World Cup opener.
The Argentine giants began their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Japanese outfit Urawa Red Diamonds on Tuesday.
Goals from Facundo Colidio, Sebastian Driussi and Maximiliano Meza secured all three points for Marcelo Gallardo’s side.
A moment from Urawa captain Marius Hoibraten threatened to overshadow the win, though.
The bizarre incident followed the pre-match introductions ahead of kick-off at Lumen Field in Seattle.
Hoibraten appeared to blank his opponents as he walked straight past them.
The defender had shaken hands with the officials before leaving the River players visibly bemused by his antics.
However, his teammates did engage with their opponents prior to kick-off.
Hoibraten has now offered an explanation and revealed he apologised to the River players at full time.
The Norwegian took to social media to clarify the situation, highlighting the unique pre-match player announcements as a factor.
In a post on Instagram, he wrote: “To the River Plate fans. I forgot to shake hands because the set-up was new.
“I was confused and in my element, and I didn’t understand what we were supposed to do. That’s why I walked away without shaking hands.
DAZNHoibraten has since apologised for the incident[/caption] DAZNHis teammates engaged with the hand-shakes after his snub, however[/caption]“It seems like I don’t care about you or the players. This was never my intention.
“I apologised to the players in the locker room after the game, and now I apologise to you. Congratulations on the win! All the best in the upcoming games.”
The 30-year-old joined Urawa from Bodo/Glimt in his homeland in February 2023 and has since become a key part of their side.
Hoibraten was a member of the squad which lifted the AFC Champions League just three months after his arrival to qualify for the Club World Cup.
The former under-21 international will now be hoping to inspire his side into the knockout stages by recovering from their opening loss.
Urawa face Champions League finalists Inter Milan in their second match on Saturday.
They then conclude their group stage campaign against Mexican side Monterrey five days later.
Inter and Monterrey played out a 1-1 draw in their first clash at the Rose Bowl in California.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Club World Cup captain apologises as he explains why he snubbed entire opposition in viral moment )
Also on site :
- Florida Panthers win consecutive Stanley Cups, triumphing 5-1
- Travelers Championship 2025 betting tips, free bets and latest golf odds
- ‘We will make him pay’ – Leaked Jose Mourinho texts spark Turkish football scandal