Friday, April 4, 2025

Swiss player expelled for ‘insulting’ tweet

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LONDON: Swiss footballer Michel Morganella was expelled from the London Olympics on Monday for sending a message that the Swiss team said ‘gravely insulted and violated’ the dignity of South Korea after his team’s 2-1 defeat by the Koreans a day earlier.

“As a member of the Swiss Olympic mission he gravely discriminated, insulted and violated the dignity of the South Korean football team and the South Korean people,” Swiss team chief Gian Gilli said.

The 23-year-old is the second athlete to be expelled over a racist Twitter comment.

Greek triple jumper Paraskevi Papachristou was thrown out of her nation’s team last week, two days before the Games started.

In the message, with some syllables jumbled, for which he was expelled, Morganella said: “I punch you, South Koreans, go burn…” The rest of the message was considered sufficiently offensive by the Swiss team for Morganella to be sent home.

“As a consequence of this behaviour Michel Morganella, having conferred with the Swiss Football Association, is immediately stripped of his Olympic accreditation and all future participation in the Olympic tournament, Gilli said.

The player himself said he accepted the sanction and apologised.

“I made a huge mistake after the disappointing result. I wish to apologise to the people in South Korea and their team, but also to the Swiss delegation and Swiss football in general. I obviously accept the consequences for my actions.” (Reuters)

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