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Yu Darvish calls for ‘big love’ instead of ‘anger’ in response to Yuli Gurriel’s racist gesture

The Dodgers’ pitcher shared a response on Twitter after World Series Game 3.

World Series - Los Angeles Dodgers v Houston Astros - Game Three
World Series - Los Angeles Dodgers v Houston Astros - Game Three
Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yu Darvish responded to ugliness with a message of positivity.

After being mocked with a racist gesture by Houston Astros first baseman Yuli Gurriel during Game 3 of the 2017 World Series, the Japanese-born pitcher acknowledged that the act was “disrespectful,” but also shared a call for “learning” and “big love” on Twitter.

No one is perfect.

That includes both you and I.

What he had done today isn’t right, but I believe we should put our effort into learning rather than accuse him. If we can take something from this, that is a giant step for mankind. Since we are living in such a wonderful world, let’s stay positive and move forward instead of focusing on anger. I’m counting on everyone’s big love.

Gurriel, a Cuban athlete who played professionally for the Yokohama BayStars of the Japanese Central League in 2014, also addressed the incident after the game.

“In Cuba and in other places, we call all Asian people Chinese,” Gurriel said through team translator Alex Cintron, according to MLB.com. “But I played in Japan and I know [that is] offensive, so I apologize for that.”

“I didn’t want to offend anybody,” Gurriel said. “I don’t want to offend him or anybody in Japan. I have a lot respect. I played in Japan.”

After hitting a home run off Darvish in the second inning, Gurriel returned to the Astros’ dugout and made a racist gesture with his eyes and appeared to mouth the word, “Chinito,” which is translated as “little Chinese boy,” according to MLB.com.

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