Antoine Griezmann in racism storm after sharing controversial fancy dress image on social media

Antoine Griezmann will not be sold by Atletico Madrid next month

Kevin Palmer Twitter

December 17 2017 11:19 PM

Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann has offered up an apology after he posted an image of himself with darkened skin in a NBA basketball outfit he wore to a fancy dress part on Saturday night.

The France forward clearly believed his post would be viewed as a joke by his millions of followers on Twitter and Instagram, but his misjudgement was quickly highlighted as he bombarded with complaints for the offense image.

Griezmann seemed keen to promote an image of him with blackened skin and wearing an Afro wig while wearing an NBA vest, striped shorts and clutching a basketball, as he dressed up to take part in an 1980s themed party.

Griezmann removed this image posted on social media after initially defending it

His message was quickly followed by a stream of abuse and several messages urging him to take down the message, but he initially seemed keen to dilute the controversy as he added this post:

"Calm down guys, I'm a fan of the Harlem globetrotters and the good times... it's a tribute."

It did not take long for his tone to change, as he was clearly given advice to remove the messages on his social media platforms and he then issued an apology on Twitter.

As PR gaffs go, this was one of the most embarrassing of the year and Griezmann may now reconsider his conduct on social media before he makes any more posts.

The France forward will be hoping this error of judgement does not tarnish his reputation as he eyes up a potential €100m transfer in 2018, with Manchester United and Barcelona continuing to be linked with the prolific forward.