Serbian volleyball player banned after racist gesture

ROME: A Serbian volleyball player has been hit with a two-match ban after making a racist gesture during a match against Thailand.

Sanja Djurdjevic was photographed pulling at the corners of her eyes with her fingers, a derogatory gesture towards Asians.

The incident happened during her side’s 3-0 victory over the Thai team at the Volleyball Nations League in Rimini, Italy, on June 1.

The sport’s governing body said its disciplinary committee found that she “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,” an FIVB statement said. The Volleyball Federation of Serbia was also fined 20,000 Swiss francs.