The tennis world has been shocked with the news that Guilherme Clezar has been charged with an alleged racist taunt during a Davis Cup tie.
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The taunt was caught on television, after which Clezar apologized on the Brazilain tennis federation’s Facebook page.
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“I want to underline that I never had the slightest intention to be aggressive, racist, prejudiced or anything of the type against Asian people,” said Clezar, who lost the opening rubber 6-2, 7-5, 7-6 before Brazil fell 2-0 down in the tie.
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“We have been extremely well received here and I have an excellent relationship with all tennis players from many different countries on the circuit,” he added.
“Even though I didn’t mean any prejudice, I recognise the gesture doesn’t ring true with the attitudes of respect, enthusiasm, solidarity, emotion and many other things that sport means to us and I want to express my regret and my most sincere apologies.”
Racism is something that sport has been trying to curb at all costs.
A few months ago, Chelsea Football Club had to issue an apology after one of their players, Kennedy, appeared to insult Chinese people during their pre-season tour.
Let’s hope that Clezar did not mean any racist slur!
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