Back to the Leicester City Newsfeed

Vardy says he was 'ignorant' not racist

Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has said he was "ignorant" rather than racist when he used a racial slur against a Japanese man in a casino.

The England international was given a "substantial" fine and ordered to undergo diversity awareness training after a video of the incident emerged.

He said he had not realised that the term - "Jap" - is offensive.

Show Racism the Red Card said it was "encouraged" that Vardy had recognised the "huge mistake" he made.

Jamie Vardy of Leicester City celebrates scoring his team's first goal with his team mate Shinji Okazaki on August 29 2015
Jamie Vardy, shown celebrating with Japanese team mate Shinji Okazaki, said he did not realise "Jap" is offensive

In an excerpt from his autobiography published in The Sun, the footballer said: "The word 'racist' is a permanent stain against my name.