The journalist has already been suspended by the VRT at first.
Basketball Belgium, the Belgian basketball federation, and the Belgian Cats, the women’s national team, reacted after statements by Sporza journalist Eddy Demarez on Saturday. “We urge that Mr. Demarez resign from his journalistic functions and, if he refuses, that the VRT terminate his employment contract,” read a joint statement.
“Mr. Demarez’s statements about our Olympic athletes are unacceptable. These are not only very offensive to the Belgian Cats but also to a much wider audience. His words touch all those who experience discrimination, not only in sport, but also beyond. “
“Basketball Belgium and the Belgian Cats are asking themselves whether a person who expresses such opinions can still function credibly as a presenter and representative of our operator. We are convinced that the answer is no, and we therefore urge that Mr. Demarez resign from his functions as a journalist and, if he refuses, that the VRT terminate his employment contract, ”the statement added.
During the broadcast of the reception of the Olympic medalists and part of the Belgian delegation returning from Tokyo on Saturday afternoon via Sporza’s Facebook Live channel, sports journalist Eddy Demarez indulged in insulting comments towards the Belgian Cats.
On Sunday, the VRT suspended its journalist, who will no longer be active within the channel for a period which has not been specified. The measure was announced by the managing director of VRT Frederik Delaplace in an internal email to employees. The information was then confirmed by the channel.
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