A Norwegian man who was part of the Olympic teams’ support staff was arrested by police in PyeongChang late Monday night after he caused trouble while intoxicated. He was in the process of being sent home on Wednesday amidst apologies from the head of the Norwegian Olympic troop.
“It’s deeply unfortunate that such things can happen,” Tore Øvrebø, head of the Norwegian athletics federation and Olympic oprganization, told state broadcaster NRK. The Norwegian man, who was not identified, was charged with vandalism and, according to newspaper VG, fined the equivalent of NOK 22,000 (USD 2,700).
“He was drunk, was held in custody by police for vandalism and has undergone questioning,” Øvrebø said on NRK’s national radio Wednesday morning. “He has paid compensation and will be sent home at the first opportunity.” Øvrebø called him “a regretful culprit” who has accepted his punishment.
Øvrebø claimed the man’s expulsion will not affect Norway’s athletes. “We’re working to limit the damage,” he said, declining to even reveal what the man’s job had been other than saying he “had a support function for the troop.” Øvrebø added that the man was “very sorry” and that the case would be followed up back home in Norway when the Olympics are over.
newsinenglish.no staff
