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South Sudan's Omot apologizes to Serbian forward Simanic after elbow incident

Sports | Basketball

South Sudan's Omot apologizes to Serbian forward Simanic after elbow incident

By Manila Bulletin Sports

At A Glance

South Sudan's Nuni Omot apologized to Serbian forward Borisa Simanic after the latter needed his kidney to be removed following an elbow hit in the 2023 FIBA World Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last Wednesday, Aug. 30.

By MARK REY MONTEJO

South Sudan’s Nuni Omot apologized to Serbian forward Borisa Simanic after the latter needed his kidney to be removed following an elbow hit in the 2023 FIBA World Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last Wednesday, Aug. 30.

South Sudan's Nuni Omot. (AFP)

Omot said he felt sorry for what happened and prayed for Simanic's recovery.

“I’m deeply saddened by the news of Simanic’s injuries. As a sportsman, I firsthand understand the severity of his situation and I am deeply sorry that this happened.” Omot stated on the team's Facebook post.

"No player should have to go through that. I pray for Simanic's recovery and speedy return to the court." he added.

The incident occurred with less than two minutes left and the game already out of reach, with Omot hitting Simanic with his left elbow while attempting for a reverse layup. The Serbian was visibly agonizing in pain and was taken out from the court.

Serbia prevailed, 115-83, with Nikola Jovic scoring 25 points on a perfect shooting night for the European giants.

The South Sudan Basketball Federation said the player had no intention and it was just an unfortunate incident.

The Sudanese squad also called for kindness and compassion as Omot received harassment and racist remarks after the news of Simanic's kidney removal spread out.

“"We condemn any racism directed towards the player. Basketball is a sport that is recognized to bring people together rather than to be used as a tool of prejudice,” the team posted.

Related Tags

2023 FIBA World Cup

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