An American reporter has been forced to apologise after ‘innaproporiate’ comments about Bosnia and Herzegovinia after they were confirmed as the United States opponents in the last 32 of the World Cup. ABC Los Angeles reporter Abigail Velez filmed a news segment last week boasting that she doesn’t “know the first thing” about the Balkan nation.
The United States men’s national team is set to take on Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup’s Round of 32 next Wednesday in San Francisco. Mauricio Pochettino’s side is hoping to clinch its first World Cup knockout victory since defeating Mexico 2-0 in the last 16 at the 2002 tournament.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a population of under 3.5 million, is amongst the smaller nations to have reached the World Cup knockout stage, alongside Cape Verde following the African nation’s stunning draw against Spain.
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Velez was subjected to a torrent of online abuse after the clip spread across numerous social media platforms. By Saturday, she felt compelled to issue a public apology.
“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 posted.
“I apologize 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.”
View 2 ImagesBosnia and Herzegovina players celebrate(Image: Jane Gershovich/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Velez’s original broadcast bore a striking resemblance to Donald Trump’s trademark style, who routinely boasts about American supremacy while proudly displaying his ignorance of global affairs.
The ABC reporter said: “Okay, the next round Team USA will play Bosnia next Wednesday, and one thing about Bosnia is I could not point out where it is on a map.
“I don’t know the first thing about Bosnia [and Herzegovina], and I don’t want to know. That’s because Team USA. We’re back. We’re better than ever.
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“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. That’s next Wednesday.”
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