Why ABC reporter had to apologize for 'insensitive' comments about Bosnia after World Cup video went viral

With the group stage of the World Cup done and the knockout stage upon us, many are taking sides.

Ahead of the USA's Round of 32 matchup with Bosnia and Herzegovina, one local news reporter took the side of the United States in a way rubbed Bosnian fans the wrong way.

ABC7 Los Angeles' Abigail Velez is apologizing after her comments about Bosnia went viral and sparked social media backlash.

Here's a look at what Velez said about Bosnia and why she apologized.

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What did the reporter say about Bosnia?

In a TV segment about the United States' next steps at the World Cup, Velez said she didn't know where Bosnia was on a map and didn't want to know.

"The next round, Team USA will play Bosnia next Wednesday and one thing about Bosnia, I could not point out where it is on a map,” Velez said. “I don’t know the first thing about Bosnia and I don’t want to know because Team USA, we’re back, we’re better than ever."

My goodness, the stereotypes write themselves……🤷‍♂️ #FIFAWorldCup 🇧🇦🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/UGj3uudcYL

That line didn't go over well with Bosnian fans, nor did Velez's follow-up remarks.

"Get prepared, Bosnia, because you don’t want it, you don’t want it like that, but you’re gonna get it," she continued.

Velez's comments sparked backlash from both Bosnian fans and some social media users who didn't like that she was seemingly bragging about not knowing geography.

Here's Velez's apology for her comments. 

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Abigail Velez apology

In a statement posted Saturday, Velez apologized for making a "thoughtless comment" while attempting to "have a little fun" with the World Cup.

"The World Cup is supposed to be about uniting communities around the world, and my comment didn't reflect that spirit," Velez said. 

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The comments came after the USA's loss to Turkey in a Group D game that didn't matter in the standings for either team. The United States has been looking ahead to a matchup with underdog Bosnia and Herzegovina — which is in Europe, bordering Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro — since Thursday's loss, and Velez's enthusiasm went too far, she admitted.

ABC7 Los Angeles has not commented on Velez's remarks.