Swiss footballer is 2nd athlete sent home for racist tweet

MANILA, Philippines – Olympic athletes can’t seem to keep their hands off of Twitter.

Swiss football player Michel Morganella is the second Olympian to be sent home from the Games due to racist posts on Twitter. 

After losing 2-1 to South Korea on Sunday, July 29, Morganella turned to Twitter to rant over their defeat. 

Officials confirmed his expulsion Monday, July 30.

Harsh words

Morganella posted via his Twitter account @morgastoss in a mix of French and colloquial speak.

His tweet roughly translates to, “I want to beat up all South Koreans! Bunch of mentally handicapped retards! (Je les tous Defonce Coréens, allez vous tous Bruler, bande de trisos!)”

The Swiss defender quickly apologized for his tweet to “the people in South Korea, for footballers, but also for the Swiss delegation and the Swiss football in general,” saying it was a “huge mistake.”

Despite the apology, his delegation decided to let him go, prohibitting him from finishing the Olympics.

“Michel Morganella has discriminated against, insulted and violated the dignity of the South Korean football team, as well as the South Korean people,” said Switzerland Olympic team chef de mission Gian Gilli.

“While the committee felt that Michel had been provoked on his Twitter account and that he has publicly apologized, the Swiss Olympic Committee and Swiss Football Association condemn Morganella’s actions to the fullest.”

Not the first

Just last week, another Greek athlete, Paraskevi Papahristou, tweeted in her native tongue, a post that also sent her home.

Through her Twitter account, the 23-year-old said, “With so many Africans in Greece… the West Nile mosquitoes will at least eat homemade food!!!.”

The triple jumper also apologized immediately but it was not enough for the Greek Olympic Committee.

She was sent home shortly after for showing “no respect for a basic Olympic value,” according to Greek mission chief Isidoros Kouvelos.

In June, two Australian swimmers were also punished for posting photos of themselves on Twitter and Facebook carrying firearms. They have since taken down the photos.

Nick D’Arcy and Kenrick Monk, who are both competing in London, will be sent home immediately after finishing their respective events. – with Agence-France Presse