Sergio Bussato (53, Italy) coach of the Russian women's volleyball team apologized for the `` tearing '' ceremony, but there was no authenticity.

In an interview with Russian sports media Sport 24, Bussato said on Monday, "My action was to celebrate Russia's participation in the Tokyo Olympics, but it was not intended to insult Korea."

The Korean women's volleyball team was defeated 2-3 times by Russia in the third round of Group E of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in Russia three days ago and handed the Olympic tickets to Russia.

After the match, Bussato smiled at the camera with his two fingers, tearing his eyes from side to side, and this picture was featured on Sport 24 with the news of Russia's victory.

Tearing is one of the most important racist acts to despise the physical characteristics of Asians, one of which is strictly prohibited by the International Football Federation (FIFA) or the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Later, the Korean Volleyball Association sent a letter to the Russian Volleyball Association in protest and asked the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) to take appropriate action, including punishment for Busato coaches.

When things went seriously, the Italian coach Busato made a clarification through Sport 24, but was consistent with a ridiculous excuse.

"I was surprised that my behavior was taken as a racist act," he said.

"I still apologize if my actions were offensive," he said. "I have great respect for the Korean team and I have several friends who work there."

"I apologize to the Korean team, the Korean Volleyball Federation, and fans," Busato said. "I didn't want to insult Korea. They didn't interpret me properly."

Previously, there was a controversy with the 'tearing' ceremony on the volleyball court.

The Serbia Women's Volleyball Team defeated Poland in the 2017 World Championships Qualifiers and confirmed their entry into Japan in the following year.