"Attacks on Imane Khelif will not stop with apology" - Fans slam Angela Carini as she apologizes to Algerian boxer over Paris Olympics controversy

By Anirudh

Modified Aug 02, 2024 16:25 GMT

Angela Carini's apology to Imane Khelif for her behavior at the 2024 Paris Olympics has failed to appease fans.

Carini entered Paris with the hopes of winning a medal to honor her late father and coach, who died shortly after the 2020 Tokyo Games. However, she lasted just 46 seconds in the Round of 16 bout against Khelif on Thursday (August 1).

She abandoned the contest against the Algerian opponent and later said that she quit because of the pain from her opponent's opening punches. She even refused to shake Khelif’s hand after the bout.

The controversy arose after the news of Khelif getting disqualified from last year’s World Championships after failing an unspecified gender eligibility test went viral. Carini's reaction after the bout reopened the debate about the Algerian's gender.

After reflecting on the issue for a day, Carini apologized to Khelif for her behavior. However, fans were not thrilled to hear her apology, with one stating that it would not stop all the attacks Khelif was facing.

"The attacks on Imane will not stop now with an apology! Despicable the hate her theatrics of crying & claims of danger to her life unleashed on Imane.. and Imane’s mental status for the remainder of the Olympics. If Angela was not fit, then don’t compete! Instead of blaming her opponent with lies! Sportswomen & men should learn to lose better! Not Fair Play by Angela," said a fan.

Another fan stated that a lot of people owed Khelif an apology.

"A LOT of people owe Khelif an apology," said another fan.

Here are some more reactions:

"The damage is done. It’s so terrible what’s happening to Imane smhhh. I hope she sues any party causing her distress and spreading misinformation," said a fan.

"After the stunt she pulled, it’s too late for apologies. No one likes sore losers or liars," opined another fan.

"'After you destroyed her reputation? question one fan.

"A little too late now. Maybe next time don’t be a boxer if you can’t box. Sore ass loser crybaby," read one post on X.

"Started a witch hunt on Imane due to her own lack of skills and sportsmanship and wants to apologise?" said one user.

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Angela Carini: "If the IOC said Imane Khelif can fight, I respect that decision"

Angela Carini at the 2022 Women's World Boxing Championships in Istanbul - Getty Images

Imane Khelif was disqualified from the 2023 World Championships in New Delhi after failing an unspecified gender eligibility test, and her presence at the Paris Olympics has become a divisive issue.

It became a huge talking point thanks to Angela Carini's unprecedented decision to quit her bout less than a minute in. A day later, the Italian stated that Khelif was not to blame for anything as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had cleared her participation.

"All this controversy makes me sad. I'm sorry for my opponent, too. If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision. It wasn't something I intended to do. Actually, I want to apologise to her and everyone else. I was angry because my Olympics had gone up in smoke," she said. (via BBC)

A spokesman for the IOC has since stated that Khelif was eligible to fight in the women's events as her passport stated that she was a female.