:A 15-year-old Russian go-karter apologised for being"a fool' on Monday and denied any fascist sympathies after he appeared to make a Nazi salute on the podium at a race in Portugal last weekend.
Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport described the gesture, made while the Italian anthem was played after the Russian won the opening round of the European championship OK category in Portimao, as a Roman salute.Ward Racing, his team, said in a statement it was"deeply in shame" at his 'unsportsmanlike' behaviour.
"Standing on the podium I made a gesture that many perceived as a Nazi salute. This is not true. I have never supported Nazism and consider it one of the worst crimes against humanity." "I know that I am a fool and I'm ready to be punished but please believe that there was no intention in my actions, there was no support for Nazism or Fascism. There was no desire to offend spectators, fans, athletes or the team."