Kosovo’s Olympic Committee has urged authorities to open disciplinary proceedings in opposition to Novak Djokovic over his controversial message concerning the nation.
The Serbian participant wrote “Kosovo is the heart of Serbia” on the digital camera after his first-round victory on the French Open.
He later advised a information convention it’s “very painful for me as a Serb to see what is happening in Kosovo and the way our people are practically driven out from the municipalities”.
Read extra: Why have tensions flared up between Serbia and Kosovo?
Djokovic has been accused of fuelling tensions between Serbs and ethnic Albanians within the centuries-old discord between the 2 sides.
Ismet Krasniqi, the president of Kosovo’s Olympic Committee, mentioned: “Djokovic has yet again promoted the Serbian nationalists’ propaganda and used the sport platform to do so.”
“The further post-match statements made by such a public figure without any feeling of remorse directly result in raising the level of tension and violence between the two countries.”
Meanwhile, the French sports activities minister Amelie Oudea-Castera mentioned Djokovic’s message was “not appropriate”, though the International Tennis Federation which governs the sport globally mentioned the world quantity three had not violated any rule.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion mentioned after profitable his second-round match at Roland Garros that he was pushed by drama.
Referring to his assertion on Kosovo, he mentioned: “Of course I’m aware that a lot of people would disagree, but it is what it is. It’s something that I stand for. So that’s all.
“Drama-free grand slam, I do not assume it will possibly occur for me. I assume that drives me, as effectively.”
Djokovic, whose father was born in Kosovo, declined to confirm whether French Open director Amelie Mauresmo had discussed the matter with him, saying: “I’ve no extra touch upon that. I mentioned what I wanted to say.”
He told Serbian media he would do it again but, after beating Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics, he opted just for a signature and smiley face.
He will not be anticipated to face any sanction from the event as a result of gamers are usually not prohibited from making political statements.
Djokovic missed final yr’s Australian Open and was deported from the nation as a result of he was unvaccinated for COVID.
He received the Melbourne title this yr regardless of a row that erupted after his father posed with some followers holding Russian flags.
Kosovo has seen elevated tensions in latest months, significantly after disputed native elections in April.
The majority-Serb inhabitants boycotted the vote as they nonetheless need to be reunited with Belgrade.
This left solely ethnic Albanians and different small minorities elected to mayoral and meeting posts.
When these elected tried to take workplace final week, Serbs protested in entrance of municipal buildings to cease them getting in.
Some of the Serbian inhabitants clashed with NATO peacekeepers and the native police within the weeks since, who used tear fuel.
Source: information.sky.com”