PETALING JAYA: The volleyball coach who was caught on video slapping two of his teenage players has apologised to the girls and their parents, says a Melaka executive councillor.
State youth development, sports and NGO executive councillor VP Shanmugam said the Melaka Under-14 girls’ volleyball coach had met the students’ parents to apologise for his actions, Bernama reported.
Shanmugam said it was the first time that Melaka had made it to the semifinals of the Malaysia Youth U14 Volleyball Championship. He added that the coach was “very excited” over the team’s progress before they narrowly lost to Johor.
“After the game, the coach explained the situation to the technical management, who had also reprimanded him. Following the incident, he met the two players and apologised. The matter was resolved on that day itself.
“So, the matter has been resolved and does not need to be protracted,” he said, adding that the coach was “quite emotional” as he believed that the girls did not perform to his expectations.
He also said he will be meeting the coach, players, their parents, as well as representatives from the youth and sports ministry, national sports council and Melaka Volleyball Association on Wednesday.
According to Shanmugam, the coach was specially appointed by the Melaka Volleyball Association for this tournament.
Yesterday, the Malaysia Volleyball Association (Mava) announced that the coach had been suspended.
In a video clip which has gone viral on social media, the coach is seen slapping the two girls at the 2022 Malaysia Youth U14 Volleyball Championship in Johor recently.
His action drew the ire of many, including youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh who said it was wrong.