Karabtic declares innocence on Facebook
Published: 03 Oct 2012 10:53 GMT+02:00 | Print version
Updated: 03 Oct 2012 10:53 GMT+02:00
One of the two brothers at the heart of the handball scandal, Nikola Karabatic, has publicly denied the allegations for the first time on his Facebook page.
- Olympian amongst arrests in Handball probe (01 Oct 12)
- French handball hit by corruption allegations (26 Sep 12)
- France beats Sweden after test of nerves (13 Aug 12)
Two-time Olympic champion Nikola and his brother Luka, of the Montpellier Agglomération Handball team (MAHB), are among the 13 people formally questioned by police in relation to allegations of rigging a match with Cesson in May this year.
But last night he took to his Facebook page to deny the allegations and tell his fans of his anguish.
“I’ve kept silent so far, but I owe you a few words. Have I bet on matches? No, I haven’t. Has my girlfriend bet? Yes, and she told me about it,” he wrote.
“As for the charges, they are really causing me pain. To accuse me of cheating and fixing the match, and throwing me to the press like that, is unthinkable.”
After being questioned last night over charges of fraud, Nikola’s lawyer confirmed in a press conference that he had broken down in tears in front of the magistrate.
“Since I was born, I have dedicated my life to handball. I fight for my sport, and to find myself in this situation is a nightmare.
“Thank you all for your support, it is very comforting in these difficult times,” Nikola signed off.
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