Switzerland defender Michel Morganella expelled from London 2012 following racist tweet

 

Pa
Monday 30 July 2012 18:40 BST
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Switzerland defender Michel Morganella has been expelled from the London Olympics for directing an allegedly racist insult at South Koreans on Twitter.

The Swiss Olympic delegation have sent the 23-year-old home from the Games after he posted the message in the wake of the team's 2-1 defeat to South Korea on Sunday.

"Michel Morganella gravely insulted and discriminated against the South Korean people and their football team with his highly offensive comments on Twitter," said Gian Gilli, chef de mission for the Swiss Olympic delegation at the Games.

"We condemn his comments, which are in fundamental violation of the IOC's Olympic charter and Swiss Olympic's own ethics charter.

"This is why, in consultation with the Swiss Football Association, we have withdrawn Morganella's accreditation."

The player has accepted the decision and apologised for his behaviour.

He said: "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."

His Twitter account has been deleted.

PA

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