A European football player has been fined and forced to apologize after mocking an opponent’s facial features during a match, drawing widespread condemnation from former professionals and fans.
Victor Edvardsen, a forward for Dutch club Go Ahead Eagles, faced criticism for his behavior towards German international midfielder Angelo Stiller of VfB Stuttgart. Stiller has a cleft lip.
During a Europa League match, near the 74th minute, Edvardsen reportedly pointed at Stiller’s nose and verbally insulted him. Go Ahead Eagles lost the game 4-0.
Former Dutch international Wesley Sneijder, now a football commentator, strongly condemned Edvardsen’s actions.
“He should go to the locker room and apologize. This is bullying,” Sneijder stated. “We know many examples where this type of situation ended badly. It’s a serious matter.”
Sneijder added that club officials should have intervened. “As a player, you are an example. Children saw this and cannot start thinking it’s normal.”
A sad scene! Go Ahead Eagles forward Viktor Edvardsen mocks Stiller and provokes him because of his large nose. The scene angered all Germans and Dutch to such an extent that Sneijder spoke about the attacker and attacked him. pic.twitter.com/qTnVSrHC6r
— AUPFCRSEVEN (@AUPFCRseven) November 28, 2025
Go Ahead Eagles has since responded to the incident. The club compelled Edvardsen to issue an apology. It also imposed an internal fine on the player for his conduct.