Concepcion (Chile), Jun 27 (IANS): Brazil coach Dunga has apologized for stirring up a racism controversy at the Copa America.

In a press conference on Friday before Brazil's quarterfinal clash with Paraguay on Saturday, Dunga raised eyebrows after being asked if criticism of his team's inconsistency was warranted, reported Xinhua news agency.

"We were bad but lucky in some games and in others we were good but with bad luck," said Brazil's 1994 World Cup-winning captain.

"I guess I'm of African descent because everyone likes to hit me, and how much I like to be hit. These guys look out for me and say, 'Let's hit that guy over there', and then they start to hit me. Without caring, without anything."

Soon after, Brazil's football confederation published a statement on its website in which Dunga said he was sorry for the comments.

"I want to apologize to everybody who may have felt offended by my statement on Afro-Brazilians, the way I expressed myself doesn't reflect my feelings or opinions," the statement said.