IEyeNews

iLocal News Archives

Olympics football: Michel Morganella expelled for racist tweet

Switzerland’s Olympic football team has expelled defender Michel Morganella from the tournament for posting racist comments on Twitter.

An offensive message aimed at South Korean people was posted from his Twitter account after Switzerland lost 2-1 to the Koreans on Sunday.

The 23-year-old’s Twitter account has since been deleted and he apologised.

He said he accepted the consequences of his actions. “I made a huge mistake after a disappointing result,” he said.

Morganella added: “I wish to apologise to the people in South Korea and their team, but also to the Swiss delegation and Swiss football in general.”

Earlier this month, Greek triple jumper Paraskevi Papachristou was expelled from her country’s Olympic team over comments she posted on Twitter which were deemed racist.

She later apologised for the “unfortunate and tasteless joke”.

Switzerland head coach Gian Gilli said Morganella, who plays his club football for Palermo in Italy, had let the team down.

“He discriminated, insulted and violated the dignity of the South Korean football team and people,” he said.

Morganella has one senior cap for Switzerland and started both Olympic Group B games for his country, who have taken just one point from a possible six.

Switzerland round off their group campaign against Mexico at the Millennium Stadium on Tuesday.

For more on this story go to:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/19054995

LEAVE A RESPONSE

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *