KLM issues apology over 'offensive' tweet following Mexico win
Dutch airline KLM has apologised for a tweet sent out in the wake of Holland's 2-1 stoppage time win over Mexico in the World Cup last night.
The tweet, sent from the carrier's official account just minutes after a controversial penalty give the Dutchmen the win, featured the words 'Adios Amigos' and an image of an airport departures sign, on which was depicted the outline of a man wearing a sombrero.
Twitter was not amused.
This is what happens when you let idiots run your social media. KLM pulls controversial World Cup tweet http://t.co/FS9awMfLl6
— Chris Moerdyk (@chrismoerdyk) June 30, 2014
The post was quickly deleted, but not before going viral, and prompting a firestorm of negative reaction.
What happened, @KLM? A few amigos made you feel uncomfortable? Think twice about making fun of a bunch of clients. pic.twitter.com/kJFcJHjsDf
— Cely (@EsaClys) June 29, 2014
Among those to criticise KLM was Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal, who tweeted KLM to tell them he was "never flying their shitty airline again".
(Bernal later deleted this tweet, and apologised for his outburst).
I must say this: apologies to anyone who felt offended by my comments. I was caught by the football bug that spoiled my sense of humor.
— Gael García Bernal (@GaelGarciaB) June 29, 2014
Last night the airline apologised for the original tweet.
"It was meant to be a joke but there was too much negative reaction," said KLM spokeswoman Lisette Ebeling Koning.
"In the best of sportsmanship, we offer our heartfelt apologies to those who have been offended by the comment," said Marnix Fruitema, director general of KLM in North America.
However the best response has to go to Mexican airline Aeroméxico, who tweeted a picture of an 'Arrivals' sign with the words: "Thanks for this great championship, we are proud and waiting at home
#VivaMexico."
Gracias por este gran campeonato, estamos orgullosos y los esperamos en casa #VivaMéxico pic.twitter.com/GCE5u5Cj6r
— Aeroméxico (@Aeromexico) June 29, 2014
Well played, Aerméxico (KLM, not so much).
