French tennis player Maxime Hamou posted a statement on his Facebook page Tuesday, offering an apology to journalist Maly Thomas, whom he tried to kiss during a post-match interview a day earlier.
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The player's French Open credential was revoked as a result of his actions.
The French Tennis Federation announced Tuesday it was punishing 21-year-old qualifier Hamou "following his inappropriate behavior towards a female journalist" during an interview following a match.
In his statement Hamou, who is ranked 287th, wrote that he let his "excess of enthusiasm express itself awkwardly towards Maly, who I know and sincerely respect."
Eurosport said in a statement that Hamou's behavior was "highly inappropriate" and that they are "pleased that a full apology is being offered.”
In an interview with Huffington Post France, Thomas described the episode as “frankly unpleasant.”
“If I hadn’t been live on air, I would have punched him,” she said.
Watch the incident here:
Frenchman banned for kissesThis is the moment on live television that got tennis player Maxime Hamou banned from the French Open. http://bit.ly/2rhEZ7p
Posted by SBS News on Tuesday, May 30, 2017