Serb Volleyball Player Banned For Two Matches Over Racist Gesture In A Match Against Thailand

Serbian volleyball player Sanja Djurdjevic has been banned for two matches after being caught on camera displaying a racist gesture during a game against Thailand as per a report in Strait Times

Djurdjevic was recorded pulling at the corners of her eyes with her fingers, a derogatory gesture towards Asians during the match against Thailand at the Volleyball Nations League in Rimini, Italy, on 1 June.

International Volleyball Federation, FIVB said in a statement that Djurdjevic "violated the FIVB Disciplinary Regulations following a gesture made during the Volleyball Nations League 2021 match between Serbia and Thailand. Ms. Sanja Djurdjevic has received a two-match suspension." The Volleyball Federation of Serbia was fined 20,000 Swiss francs ($29,570).

Serbian federation said it accepted the FIVB's decision in a Facebook post. "Once again, our sincere apologies to all affected and big thanks to the Thailand Volleyball Association for understanding and friendly attitude," it said.

"We understand the point of view of the FIVB, even if, as we argued, culturally, we see this gesture as rather affectionate, that it may be interpreted in a negative way by the Asian people." Serbian association wrote in its post.