Serbia says racist taunt of Thai player wasn’t disrespectful

Serbia’s volleyball federation apologized to Thai players last night for a racist gesture made on the court but urged Thais not to “blow this out of proportion.” 

The Volleyball Federation of Serbia apologized to Thailand’s team and fans after Serbian player Sanja Djurdevic drew two fingers to the side of her face to make the “slanty eyes” gesture – on television – to mock a Thai player’s failure to score a point.

The Serbian federation said Djurdevic’s was remorseful for her “unfortunate gesture” but “didn’t mean any disrespect.” The apology described the gesture as “unfortunate” rather than acknowledging its roots in racism.

“We apologize sincerely to the Thailand team, people of Thailand and to all of you affected by this,” the federation wrote. “But, please, don’t blow this out of proportion! Sanja is aware of her…