Tokyo 2020: Olympics commentator sacked after offensive remarks towards South Korean athlete live on air

Caption: Dimosthenis Karmiris and Jeoung Youngsik
Provider: ERT/Getty

A commentator for the Tokyo Olympics has been sacked over his racist comments towards a South Korean athlete.

Journalist Dimosthenis Karmiris appeared on Greek channel ERT to discuss the third-round table tennis tie yesterday, between Jeoung Youngsik and Panagiotis Gionis.

When asked about the abilities of South Korean players in the sport, he offered a shocking reply live on air.

‘The Koreans don’t play table tennis,’ he responded.

‘Their eyes are narrow so I can’t understand how they can see the ball moving back and forth.’

His shocking response led to widespread anger on social media, with many viewers flocking to Twitter to discuss the comments.

ERT confirmed they had sacked Karmiris over his comments (Picture: ERT)

Jeoung Youngsik eventually won the tense game (Picture: Rex)

‘It’s 2021 and this is how a presenter on Greek state broadcaster @ertofficial_ comments on Asian table tennis players,’ an unimpressed fan said while sharing a video of the scene.

‘Absolutely ridiculous, and then we wonder where the systemic racism comes from,’ one replied.

‘After taking flak for not showing the qualifying games of two Greek athletes, the state-run broadcaster now has a journalist making this comment about Korean athletes #ERTTokyo2020,’ a Twitter user added.

Following the outrage, ERT confirmed on Tuesday he had been removed from their coverage going forward.

More: TV

‘Racist comments have no place on public television,’ a statement read.

‘The collaboration between ERT and Dimosthenis Karmiris was terminated today, immediately after the morning show.’

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