Getty Images SportReal Madrid defender Dean Huijsen apologises on Chinese social media platform after sharing offensive post
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Advanced protection across 11 devices with high-speed VPN
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Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
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Protect 14 devices with the top ExpressVPN plan
Pro
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's top-tier Express Pro plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
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Over 28 monthsSave 67%
Protect 10 devices with high-speed VPN
Basic
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's entry-level Basic plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
The VPN can be applied across 10 different devices simultaneously, and offers Lite Protection that blocks ads and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.
Additionally, ExpressVPN's Basic plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 10MB/month private email relay plus 10 shared aliases.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 80%.
Over 28 monthsSave 80%
Advanced protection across 11 devices with high-speed VPN
Advanced
Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
The VPN can be applied across 12 different devices simultaneously, and offers Advanced Protection that blocks ads, trackers and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.
Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 100MB/month private email relay plus 50 shared aliases and a custom domain, and ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator.
There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 73%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for three days in 150+ destinations.
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Getty Images SportRacist tropes spark Weibo fury
While the apology was swift, the nature of the original post has left a bitter taste for many. Reports indicate that the shared image was accompanied by highly offensive remarks from internet users, including one that claimed the subject could be "blindfolded with dental floss." Another comment featured in the screenshot reportedly stated that "even the Chinese call him Chinese," further escalating the tension surrounding the post. The incident has cast a shadow over the rising star's reputation as he continues his development at the Bernabeu.
Despite the official apology, many fans in China remain unsatisfied with the club’s handling of the situation. Critics have pointed out that the statement was only released on Weibo, a platform specifically targeted at the Chinese market, and was significantly absent from both Huijsen’s and Real Madrid's global Instagram or X accounts. This has led to demands for a more transparent, worldwide apology or a video statement, with supporters questioning whether the remorse is genuine or merely a branding exercise to protect the club's heavy commercial interests in the region.
Getty/GOALRacism row looms large ahead Benfica match
The timing of Huijsen's social media blunder is particularly awkward for the Real Madrid hierarchy. The club are currently awaiting the results of a UEFA investigation into alleged racist abuse by Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni, directed at star forward Vinicius Junior during a recent clash. Los Blancoshave been vocal in their support of the Brazilian, who has been a frequent target of discrimination, making any internal disciplinary issues regarding similar topics a major headache for president Florentino Perez and the board.
As the footballing world becomes increasingly globalised, the scrutiny on player conduct across social media has never been higher. For Real Madrid, maintaining a pristine image in Asia is vital for their financial growth, and Huijsen’s error serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with wearing the famous white shirt. Whether the 20-year-old will face further internal sanctions remains to be seen, but for now, the focus will be on ensuring that his actions on the pitch do more talking with the second leg of their Champions League knockout play-off against Benfica just right on the horizon.
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