- Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta has apologised after posting a photo on social media with two people in blackface as part of Epiphany celebrations. The 34-year-old superstar who currently plays at Japan's Vissel Kobe had no intention "to upset anyone by displaying that photo," according to a statement by his agency sent to AFP on Wednesday.
"He would like to apologise to those people who may have felt offended," the statement said. Iniesta's picture on Twitter and Instagram posted on Sunday showed his family and a group of people in costumes, taking part in the Three Kings Day, an important Christian festive tradition in Spain.
The January 6 holiday commemorates the visit of magi Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar to the newborn baby Jesus.
Large parades and other festivities are held across Spain featuring men dressed up as kings, with the role of Balthazar often played by a white man - often a city councillor - in black makeup.