Twitter screenshot
SPORT – New slip of a Russian sportsman on a podium. The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has opened an investigation into the apparent Nazi salute of a young pilot Russianwho participates under the Italian flag, during a race in the European Karting Championship in Portugal, the body announced on Monday 11 April.
“The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile confirms that it has opened an immediate investigation into the unacceptable behavior of Mr Artem Severiukhin that took place during the OK category podium ceremony during the first round of the FIA European Karting Championship in 2022,” in the Algarve, in the south of Portugalthe FIA writes in a statement.
“The FIA will communicate shortly about the follow-up to this matter,” she continued.
A gesture denied by the Russian pilot
On Sunday, taking first place off the podium, Artem Severiukhin punched his heart twice with his fist before extending his right arm in a gesture believed to be a greeting. Nazitowards the crowd, before it gets hilarious in the next few seconds, as seen on a video of the championship.
Through Russian invasion of Ukraine, the FIA does not allow Russian drivers to compete under their flag. Driving under the Italian flag, it was therefore the Italian national anthem that was played during this stage.
Despite his apologies in a video on Instagramand his denial of a Nazi salute, the Ward Racing team decided to break his contract: “Ward Racing sees no opportunity to continue working with Artem Severiukhin and will proceed with the termination of his racing contract,” she said in a statement. declaration .
A slip on a stage reminiscent of that of the young Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak† At the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Doha on March 5, this third-placed athlete clearly showed his support for Russia Vladimir Poutine and specifically to the Russian troops during the competition, as you can see here, and then step on the podium. His chest was decorated with a white “Z”.
See also on The HuffPost: This Russian Gymnast Shows His Support for the War (and Gets Beaten by a Ukrainian)
