"Let's stop making a problem out of things like this" - Nathan Ake on Netherlands supporters that dressed up as Ruud Gullit at EURO 2024

Dutch defender Nathan Ake has spoken out in support of the Netherlands' fans that dressed up as national icon Ruud Gullit at EURO 2024. The Manchester City man believes that there were absolutely no problems with the fans' actions and the matter was just being blown out of proportion by the media.

Netherlands won 2-1 against Poland in their opening fixture of EURO 2024, with Ake being one of the standout performers. Playing in his new role as a left-back, he completed 63 of his 67 passes (94%), created four chances, set up Cody Gakpo's opener and made a last-ditch tackle (via FotMob).

While the game itself was largely un-controversial, there was a controversy brewing in the stands. Cameras captured three Dutch fans wearing face-paint and sporting wigs with dreads akin to Gullit's hair. The click has been going viral on social media, being met with severe criticism due to the potentially racist and negative connotations that it might convey.

However, the former AC Milan and Chelsea legend himself had no issues with the fans' tribute. Humberto Tan, a member of the committee set up to tackle racism in football which also includes the 1987 Ballon d'Or winner, had a conversation with him.

Relaying what was said in the conversation, Tan said (via JOE.ie):

“Ruud said when he saw it: ‘I actually feel quite honored,’ because it’s a reminder of one of the biggest prizes he won as a footballer [referring to the fans wearing the jerseys from the Netherlands' EURO 1988 triumph]."

Concurring with Gullit, Ake added (via ESPN UK):

"These topics are getting out of hand, we should be allowing things like this to happen. Ruud Gullit already said he finds it an honor too. Let's stop making a problem out of things like this."

"The last thing I want to do is hurt people" - Netherlands fan speaks out after suffering backlash over controversial Ruud Gullit tribute

Bart van de Ven, who was one of the Netherlands fans dressed up as national legend Ruud Gullit at EURO 2024, has spoken out after receiving backlash for his tribute.

In conversation with Dutch News, he said (via Mirror):

"Maybe I made a mistake or it's a blind spot. The last thing I want to do is hurt people and that's why I've decided to stop. I've had a lot of really nice responses as well, but clearly there is a group who feel differently. I have to respect that and listen to it. The last thing I want is for people to have a certain unpleasant association with my act."

Aside from his personal enjoyment, Van de Ven claimed that the three men were doing the roleplay in an attempt to raise money for good causes. He was set to don the outfit and DJ across EURO 2024 fan discos and donate his earnings to the Princess Maxima Centrum, a hospital specializing in children's cancer.

He added:

"I do the act purely for my own enjoyment and wanted to raise money for a good causes as Rasta Ruud during the European Championships. That’s not happening now. If the fun stops, it stops for me too."

Netherlands is next scheduled to take on France on Friday (June 21).