Swiss footballer Michel Morganella was kicked out of the London Olympics on Monday in the wake of racist remarks on Twitter after a 2-1 defeat against South Korea.
“Michel Morganella has discriminated against, insulted and violated the dignity of the South Korean football team as well as the South Korean people,” Swiss chef de mission Gian Gilli told a news conference.
The Palermo player has apologised for his insult but his Twitter and Facebook accounts have been closed and he has left the team.
“Michel indeed does realise that his behaviour was wrong, that he has accepted the decision to be excluded and we hope that he will draw the necessary lessons for his still young football career,” Gilli said.
Morganella is the second athlete whose Olympic dream ends over racist remarks on Twitter. Greek triple jumper Paraskevi Papachristou was thrown out of the Olympic team ahead of her departure for England for a racist remark directed against Africans.
