Junior Russian karting champion, Artem Severiukhin, has spoken out after appearing to perform a Nazi salute on the winner's podium.
Footage of the 15-year-old went viral from the FIA Karting World in Algarve, Portugal over the weekend.
Severiukhin came first in the 11-15 age bracket, however it was his gesture while on the winner's podium that caused a stir online.
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Appearing to pound his chest and give a Nazi salute before giggling to one of the spectators, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile swiftly launched an investigation into the 'unacceptable conduct', particularly in light of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Kremlin's conspiracy theories that Ukraine is run by Nazis.
The teenager has since spoken out about the incident.
Insisting that his actions were not in support of Nazism, but reflecting they had been 'stupid', Severiukhin apologised for his behaviour.
He said: "I want to apologise to everyone for what happened yesterday at the European Karting Championship. Standing on the podium, I made a gesture that many perceived as a Nazi salute. But it's not true – I have never supported Nazism and consider it one of the worst crimes against humanity.
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"I can’t explain how everything else happened. I know it’s my fault, I know I’m a fool, and I’m ready to be punished. But please understand that [...] there was no support Nazism or fascism with this gesture.”
However, despite his tearful apology, professional Swedish sports team Ward Racing has cut ties with the 15-year-old.
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Releasing a statement onto Instagram on 11 April, it said: "The actions of Artem Severiukhin during the award ceremony on 10 April 2022 were exclusively individual and do not represent the views and values of Ward Racing in any manner.
"On the contrary, Ward Racing stands with the international community condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine and expresses its solidarity with the people suffering because of this unprovoked and horrific attack. "
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Ward Racing condemned the 'personal actions' of Severiukhin 'in the strongest possible terms' for being 'a manifestation of unsportsmanlike behaviour' and 'an unacceptable violation of the ethical moral sports codex'.
"On the basis of these considerations, Ward Racing sees no possibility for continued cooperation with Artem Severiukhin and will proceed with terminating his racing contract," it concluded.
It also added an apology to anyone who had been 'hurt or distressed' by the young racer's actions.
Severiukhin is currently under investigation by the FIA, which stated that it would 'communicate shortly on the further steps that will be taken' in the case.
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If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact Stop Hate UK by visiting their website www.stophateuk.org
If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information
Poppy Bilderbeck