On Wednesday, a French junior tennis player, Will Smith, apologized for slapping an opponent in an Oscar-style manner but said his anger was sparked by the crowd’s insults.
Michael Koume, 15, slapped Rafael Ni Ankrah in the face at a tournament in Accra, Ghana, when the two teenagers met in the net on Monday to exchange a post-match handshake.
Kaume, who lost the tie in three sets, said on social media that he had an explosion “after a very frustrating and difficult match” during which he said he had been insulted by the crowd supporting the local player.
France’s No. 1 seed Michael Koume has slapped Rafael Ni Ankara after losing the ongoing TGF ITF jnrs World Tour at the Accra Sports Stadium. pic.twitter.com/pj4WjfifXZ
– Kenneth Kwesi Gibson (kwesi_gibson) April 4, 2022
“I sincerely regret my actions. During the match, I was verbally abused by many in the crowd, including insults against my mother, but this does not excuse my behavior, ”he said.
He also apologized to his opponent.
“I accept all the consequences of the International Tennis Federation (ITF),” he added.
“I will use this time to see how I can better handle such situations in the future, in a way that reflects my true personality.”
American actor Smith stunned the recent Oscars in Los Angeles when he stepped on stage and slapped Chris Rock in the face after the comic joked about his wife’s closely cut head.
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