Australian wrestler Hassene Fikri will say sorry to match officials for behaving rudely during a wrestling match at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India. The move drew the ire of the spectators and caused a controversy where the disciplinary committee of the Australian contingent deliberated on his future.
There were chances of him being sent home on disciplinary reasons but now he appears safe and secure in the games village but not as a participant. Fikri sparked controversy when he refused to shake hands of Anil Kumar of India after losing the bout to him. He also raised his finger in a derogatory manner towards the match officials.
The behavior cost him his silver medal in the Greco Roman 96kg competition Wednesday night as he was disqualified almost immediately after the shocking episode.
"I would describe his actions as unacceptable for an Australian sportsperson representing their country in international competition," Australia's chef de mission Steve Moneghetti said. He also expressed the possibility of dismissing Fikri from the Australian contingent and sending him home.
A crisis meeting of the Australian Commonwealth Games Association later decided that an apology to the match referee and competition manager would be the right punishment for Fikri. He would also remain confined to the athletes' village until the end of the Games and will assist his teammates in their preparation for the competitions. Fikri is a member of the Sydney Wrestling Club where he is scheduled to train the juniors for one year after his return to Australia.
