Victor Edvardsen of the Go Ahead Eagles has issued an apology following allegations that he ‘bullied’ Angelo Stiller, who is reportedly a target for Manchester United.

The controversy unfolded during a Europa League match on Thursday, where Stiller’s team, Frankfurt, secured a 4-0 victory over the Go Ahead Eagles. However, the spotlight shifted from the game to an incident involving Edvardsen’s ridicule of Stiller’s appearance.

At 29, Edvardsen seemed to mock Stiller’s nose on the pitch, sparking a brief altercation and igniting public outrage from fans and commentators who condemned the striker’s actions.

Wesley Sneijder, a former Real Madrid and Netherlands star, criticized Edvardsen’s behavior. During his commentary on Ziggo Sport, Sneijder urged Edvardsen to apologize directly to Frankfurt, emphasizing the gravity of bullying.

“We understand the consequences of bullying; real-life examples have shown us its severity,” Sneijder remarked. “Go Ahead Eagles should intervene immediately. Young viewers witness such conduct. This player’s mindset isn’t right. I’m getting increasingly upset, so I must stop here.”

Angelo Stiller (second right) is a victim of ‘bullying’ by Victor Edvardsen (second left), according to Wesley Sneijder

Edvardsen mocked Stiller’s nose, and later issued an apology after being fined by his club

The incident occurred following Edvardsen’s foul against Atakan Karazor in the 73rd minute, during which he repeatedly gestured at Stiller’s nose, escalating tensions on the field.

A number of Stuttgart players ran in to confront the Swede, with Stiller visibly furious. He argued with both Edvardsen and referee Mohammed Al-Hakim, with both players shown a yellow card.

Go Ahead Eagles of the Eredivisie, meanwhile, fined Edvardsen €500 (£438.28), with the money donated to charity.

Edvardsen himself has now issued an apology. 

He said: ‘I want to apologise for my behaviour yesterday. Things were said and done between us that do not belong on a football pitch.

‘After the match, I went to Stuttgart’s locker room to apologise. I have a role to play as an example to others and I must behave accordingly.’

In terms of football, meanwhile, Stiller is reportedly a target for Manchester United after the Red Devils were said to have drawn up a seven-man shortlist for the position.

United, who suffered their latest setback in the Premier League on Monday night with a disappointing 1-0 loss to Everton, are keen to bolster Ruben Amorim’s squad at the next available opportunity.

Sneijder (pictured) said the incident was ‘very serious’ and his side ‘should grab him by the ear and drag him to Frankfurt’s dressing room’

United are not expected to invest heavily during the January transfer window after splashing out £225million last summer on the likes of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko – but have already started thinking ahead to next summer.

With high earners Casemiro, Harry Maguire and Jadon Sancho all out of contract at the end of the season, and Marcus Rashford’s £325,000-a-week deal potentially disappearing if he completes a permanent move to Barcelona, United could trim as much as £1 million per week from their wage bill.

According to ESPN’s Rob Dawson, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos intend to reinvest the savings into strengthening the club’s midfield in the summer – and have drafted up a seven-man shortlist.

Stiller is a defensive midfielder and has been linked with United in the past. This season, he has played 19 times for Stuttgart.

He also broke into the Germany set-up in 2024, and has played five times for his county to date, with hopes of earning a spot in Julian Nagelsmann’s World Cup squad next summer.

Stiller’s contract with the German side, who are fifth in the Bundesliga, runs until 2028 and it is believed he would cost around £44million.