River Plate have issued an official apology to Lionel Messi and Barcelona following the abuse that the Argentine player received while boarding a flight at Tokyo airport after the Club World Cup final. The four-time Ballon d’or winner was reportedly spat on by River supporters and former River player, Javier Mascherano was also subjected to abuse. Club president, Rodolfo D’onofrio has criticised those involved in addition to discussing Mascherano’s potential return to the club.

River’s legions of fans had rightly been praised for their incredible support in Japan but the actions of a few and the negative headlines created have somewhat soured the experience. Lionel Messi has often faced criticism from sections of the Argentina supporters after a sense of detachment from the Rosario-born star after years in Spain and a failure to reproduce his Barcelona form for the national team. The 28-year-old opened the scoring against River and despite a reserved celebration, a minority of River fans were unwilling to forgive.

In light of the reports of Messi being spat on and abused by River supporters, the club issued the following statement: “In relation to the attacks on Lionel Messi at Narita airport, Club Atlético River Plate condemns all forms of violence and wishes to apologise to the player and Barcelona.

River Plate congratulate Barcelona on winning the 2015 Club World Cup, held in Japan.”

River president, Rodolfo D’onofrio went further when discussing the issue on radio – “There’s always one idiot, to use a more polite way of describing these people. I’ve only just read that Messi was given problems by a fan at the airport who had drunk more than he should have … and did something stupid against Messi. Messi is the best player in Argentine football, he’s a gentleman.

“When we arrive home in Buenos Aires, we hope to identity his aggressor, and if it turns out that he is a season ticket holder, he will be immediately banned.

“This sorry affair only spoils the party for everyone else. I cannot understand it; these idiots should not be allowed at these events.”

While Messi has often had a frosty relation with some Argentine fans, Mascherano is a River icon. Despite leaving for Corinthians at a young age, El Jefecito has often spoke of his support for the club and desire to end his career back at the Monumental. This tie to Los Millonarios didn’t prevent Mascherano from being verbally abused at the airport.

D’onofrio is correct to highlight that this is not reflective of River supporters in general and is solely the actions of a minute number. The 66-year-old president remains an admirer of Mascherano and in an interview with Olé revealed he had spoken with the player reegarding a potential return.

“I told Mascherano that we are waiting for you,” and in spite of the regrettable actions in Tokyo, D’onofrio added, “River people love him and he‘s going to return.”