We were recently overjoyed to hear that Malaysian badminton player Lee Zii Jia managed to secure his spot in the Men’s Single event at the Denmark Open 2022.
Although he did not manage to win and managed to secure 2nd place, it seemed that Malaysians had won elsewhere in the other categories. Or did we?
In a viral clip that is circulating on social media, the Men’s doubles final which was played by Indonesians Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto up against Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo made headlines for all the wrong reasons.
At the crowning ceremony to crown the champions and the runner up, the announcer of the event had addressed them as representing Malaysia.
Runner ups Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo looked puzzled after the mistake.
It appeared that she didn’t realise the mistake as she went on to make exactly the same mistake when announcing the champions, Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto, also representing Malaysia.
Apologised for their mistake
The official Denmark badminton association has since apologised for the mistake. On a social media post, they wrote, “Dear all, we are truly sorry for the announcement mistake. Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Ardianto and Marcus Gideon/Kevin Sukamuljo are of course from INDONESIA! ??”
“We know that. It was a human mistake, and we hope you can accept our apology.”
Not once but twice?!
Clips of the mistakes have gone viral on social media where netizens were left confused and angry. Some refused to accept the apology and said that the MC/announcer should make a personal apology instead and be held more accountable.
“Not once, but TWICE! It’s a big shame! They are from Indonesia!”
A user commented, “What about your other staff there? Did they realise or just think that it’s normal. What a shame. It’s a big event and you let it down.”
Meanwhile, some users asked the organisation to hold the announcer more accountable and demanded an apology directly from her.
“Push her to make an apology directly with a video, not just speech or social media explanation. This case needs more attention. It’s an international event,” said a user.
Another commented, “Apology not accepted. One time I can see it as a genuine mistake, but 2 times? The announcer herself needs to make a public apology and apologise directly to the athletes involved because she disrespected them.”
Watch the full video below:
Udah pindah negara kack? pic.twitter.com/NypwIAhtkG
— Fé (@geewon2112) October 23, 2022
What do you think of the mishap? Is it a big deal?
Also read: Malaysia’s Badminton Legend Dato Lee Chong Wei Has His Own Wax Figure At Madame Tussauds Singapore!
