Piotr Szczerek statement as US Open hat snatcher | Sports News

The particular person on the coronary heart of a US Open scandal, after being caught on digicam snatching a cap from a younger boy’s grasp, has now issued a public apology for his actions.

The viral footage appeared to seize Kamil Majchrzak offering his hat to a teenager within the stands, however moments earlier than the kid might declare it, a man beside him seized it and would not give it back regardless of the younger supporter’s determined appeals. Majchrzak known as the conduct ‘disgusting’ and efficiently secured a memento for the disenchanted fan.

The particular person within the footage has been revealed as Piotr Szczerek, a rich Polish government who heads paving firm Drogbruk. An official statement has since appeared on his Facebook profile, acknowledging that a ‘large mistake’ occurred.

The message said: “In connection with the situation that happened during Kamil Majchrzak’s match at the US Open, I would like to unequivocally apologize to the injured boy, his family, as well as all the fans and the player himself.

“I used to be satisfied that the tennis participant was passing his hat in my direction – for my sons who had requested for autographs earlier. “Today I know I did something that seemed like consciously collecting a memento from a child. This wasn’t my intention, but it doesn’t change the fact that I hurt the boy and disappointed the fans.

“The hat was given to the boy, and I apologize to the household. I hope I’ve no less than partially repaired the injury that was performed.”

A previous post surfaced online, allegedly from Szczerek, with a harsh response of ‘first come first served,’ but the Facebook statement refutes such claims.

It further states: “I additionally wish to make it clear, neither myself, nor my spouse, nor my sons have commented on this example on social media as effectively as on any portal. We haven’t used the companies of any law firm on this regard. All alleged statements showing on the web are usually not from us.

“For years, my wife and I have been engaged in helping children and young athletes, but this situation has shown me that a single moment of indifference can destroy years of work and support. It hurts for me, but it is lesson in humility.

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“That’s why I can be even more actively concerned in initiatives that help kids and adolescents and actions towards violence and hate. I consider that solely by actions can rebuild trust that has been misplaced. Again, I’m sorry to anybody I disenchanted.”

This comes after fans inundated the Polish paving company with negative reviews. Since the video went viral, tennis fans have bombarded his business’ Google page with negative reviews, plummeting its rating to 1.3 stars.

“One reviewer mentioned: “You can’t make them any lower than someone who steals right from a child’s hand. ” Another posted that Szczerek needed a “reality check” and another person merely wrote: “No integrity.”

The Mirror has reached out to the paving company for remark. Following the viral cap incident, Majchrzak posted on social media asking supporters to help him find the teenager.

He posted: “After the match I didn’t record that my cap didn’t get to the boy. Thanks to @asicstennis I’ve got enough caps, so I’m prepared for that.

“Majchrzak continued: “Hey guys, could you help me find the kid from my match. If it’s you (or your parents see this), please send me a DM.

The tennis player later provided an update to followers, confirming he had located the boy and sharing footage of their encounter at Flushing Meadows. He included the message: “Today after heat up I had a good assembly. Do you recognise?”