Kaizer Chiefs latest | Stuart Baxter apologizes for ‘stupid’ rape comments

Newly-appointed Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter has again apologized for his insensitive rape comments that led to his sacking in India.

At the time, Baxter was upset that Odisha were not given a penalty in a match they lost to Jamshedpur in February 2021.

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In his post-match interview at the time Baxter said: “I don’t know when we’re going to get a penalty. I think one of my players would have to rape someone or get raped himself if he was going to get a penalty.”

He later apologized following an outcry from the Indian community among others before being sacked by Odisha a week later.

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Baxter sealed his return to Naturena on a two-year deal earlier this week, and he was unveiled by the club on Wednesday afternoon.

In his first speech as Chiefs coach, Baxter started off by apologizing for the rape comments he described as ‘unfortunate and stupid’.

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“Given the unfortunate nature of my exit from India, and the unfortunate comments, and to be very honest, stupid comments I made, I felt strongly that I needed to make another apology before recommencing my work in South Africa,” said Baxter.‌

“Anything that I said that offended anyone, I humbly apologize,” he added.

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Baxter admitted that rape is a serious crime across the globe, but he said it wasn’t his intention to make it look like he was making light of it.

“I know it is a heinous crime and it looked like I was making light of that. I was not. That was absolutely not my intention and does not reflect me as a person.

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“But I do know many people were upset, and for that I am truly sorry,” continued Baxter.

The 67-year-old mentor vowed not to repeat the same mistake again, and he hopes his apology will be accepted now that he’s starting a new chapter at Chiefs.

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“In the future, there will not be an issue with me making such clusmy, insensitive and downright stupid comments. I really hope anyone offended by my insensitive words will accept this really heartfelt apology,” concluded Baxter.