Bayern Munich right-back Rafinha has issued an apology after his offensive Halloween costume led to a social media outcry.
In a photograph shared on the club’s official Twitter account from the teams’ Halloween party, Rafinha appeared in an outfit imitating a traditional Arab dress and holding cardboard boxes bearing the German word "vorsicht", which translates as "caution".
Criticism of his apparently crude depiction of a bomber swiftly followed and the tweet was later deleted, leading to an apology from Rafinha.
"Halloween is a scary celebration with exaggerated costumes," the 33-year-old posted on Twitter.
"It was not my intention to anger anyone through my disguise or hurt someone's feelings."
However, Rafinha had to post his apology twice as the first time he included another photo of himself in the distasteful costume, before quickly deleting and attaching an image of him in action for Bayern instead.
The German champions tweeted the image to their 4.51 million followers, with plenty immediately drawn to the Brazilian’s choice of costume.
It’s another unwanted issue for Bayern to have to deal with, having endured a tough start to the season both on and off the pitch.
Halloween ist ein Gruselfest mit übertriebenen Kostümierungen, es lag nicht in meiner Absicht, irgendjemanden durch meine Verkleidung zu verärgern oder in seinen Gefühlen zu verletzen. pic.twitter.com/brealyulRb
— Rafinha Official (@R13_official) November 1, 2018
Niko Kovac was appointed as the club’s new manager in the summer after an excellent spell in charge of Eintracht Frankfurt, but came in for criticism earlier this month after a spell of four matches without a win before the previous international break.
Harsh reports from the media led to Bayern’s chief executive, president and sporting director organising a surprise press conference to hit back at their critics, where they accused journalists and pundits of disrespect and 'indecent' reporting.
President Uli Hoeness also launched a scathing attack on former Bayern left-back Juan Bernat , where he claimed that the club decided to sell the Spaniard after his performance against Sevilla in the Champions League last season.
Bayern have since regained form, winning all four of their matches since the October international break, but Rafinha’s Halloween slip-up has again put them in the limelight for the wrong reasons.
Their next match will see them take on SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga this Saturday.