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Paul Arriola and Swansea issue statement as offensive tweets resurface online

Paul Arriola and his club Swansea City have chosen to issue a statement as offensive tweets of the player’s resurface online.

The on-loan Swans forward has apologised for a number of “offensive and discriminatory” social media posts which were put up via his Twitter account a while back.

They were published a decade ago with the messages of an apparent racist and sexist nature, and because they have re-emerged, it’s prompted a lengthy apology from 26-year-old.

The USA international, who is on loan from DC United, wrote on the platform: “I have recently seen some tweets from my personal account from when I was a teenager in 2012 resurface on Twitter and while they have not received much attention I wanted to acknowledge those and address them.

“I am ashamed and apologise for the choice of offensive and discriminatory words I used in the tweets as they were not acceptable then or now.

“I can assure you that I have grown and learned since then and those tweets did not accurately portray me as a human being at that time in my life, and they certainly do not now.

“Those who know me know my true character through my heart, desires, and actions.

“I am aware of the privileged position I am in as a professional athlete and role model to many young soccer players and supporters and I can assure you that posts containing such language will never be used again.”

Arriola has made three substitute appearances for the Welsh outfit since joining the club at the beginning of February and was on the bench for Saturday’s controversial Championship win over Middlesbrough with Neil Warnock raging.

Responding to the posts, Swansea said in a statement: “Swansea City has been made aware of historical social media posts by Paul Arriola, prior to his arrival at the club.

“We want to make clear we do not condone any form of discriminatory behaviour from anyone associated with our club.

“Swansea City has been discussing the issue with Paul, and we support his decision to be the one to address these historical tweets and to issue an apology.

“Paul is committed to participating in both unconscious and conscious bias training, which he will undertake upon his return to DC United. Swansea City will be making no further comment on this matter.”

www.fanbanter.co.uk – Fan reaction to the latest football news, gossip & funnies

Manager Steve Cooper insists he’s delighted by the 26-year old’s attitude and progress on the training ground, and has suggested a place in his starting XI might not be too far away.

“You hope that every player has the mindset that they’re not here to make up the numbers,” Cooper said.

“It’s slightly different with Paul because he’s come straight from an off-season.

“He had a week or so with the national team, but it’s not often that you have only a few weeks training and then start starting games in your domestic campaign.

“So, like we were doing with Jordan [Morris]. We have a separate programme going on to try and get him up to speed. It’s probably not the ideal thing at this time of the season, but that’s where we’re at.

“But we know he’s a really good player. He’s a good guy and as soon as we think he’s available to start games and he trains well enough and is having an impact then maybe there will be some starts in the future.”

www.fanbanter.co.uk – Fan reaction to the latest football news, gossip & funnies

Fans reacted whilst Paul Arriola and Swansea issue a statement as offensive tweets resurface online…

@scfcthomas: This is absolutely ridiculous, the tweets were rap lyrics and almost a decade old. Embarrassing.

@scfc_ryan: one was literally him saying black people shouldn’t swim? how can you excuse this?

@atlutd_usmnt: There’s a process that exists called maturing y’know

@ReeceJames1905: Being immature is laughing about farts as a 5 year old.
Being immature isn’t racism and sexism. It’s not ok at any age.

@Tyoganathan: Its incredibly disappointing, especially to say those hurtful things on a public platform. It may have been many years ago but I think he needs to do more than a knee jerk apology to prove he truly doesn’t mean the things he said.

@CCFC0K: I’m disgusted

@scfcoli: Really think this should’ve been dealt with as a private matter between the club and Paul

@SwanseaBayJack: Good grief @SwansOfficial do you really need to make this kind of statement about a players Tweet from so long ago we didn’t even know who he was

@pokerpup1; Paul, you are and will continue to be a role model. There is not one person that has not done or said things they regret. It takes a true honorable individual to address it and clear the air. You are good person, it is visible in all you do. Don’t look back.

@LiamaThomas21: Absolutely ridiculous

@MattStrachan89: Only sorry because you were caught

More reaction was posted after Paul Arriola spoke on the offensive tweets…

@Rossi16_: Undergo a course? What would that course possibly be about, in your next life don’t tweet silly stuff when you are a teenager when the world weren’t cancel everybody?

@sashaguti: “Goes back and deletes his Facebook”

@coolkenny27: The tweets are dumb/ignorant at any age but it still BLOWS my mind how athletes continue to clearly not have agents/advisers to recommend scrubbing their social media accounts. This happens almost every professional draft.

@tattooeddad83: What where you 15? We all make mistakes, everyone matures. You have apologised and as far as Swansea fans at concerned nothing changes and you are part of this team going forward.

@USMNT_UK: Paul Arriola tweeted what!? #USMNT

@kevpickers71: Seems he historically made a tit of himself name pun intended 😉

@MColeSchwartz: Ooooof, those were rough Paul but good on you for stepping up and not just hoping they’d go away. Now do the work to regain the trust of your fans and fellow players.

@pulidest: If you own up to mistakes and dont make excuses, you have my support. Thank you. If you strive to be better, no judgement should be cast. Personal growth should be applauded

@BenJoyceFoot: Seems like it’s all gone tits up for Mr Arriola

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