Brazilian surfer Filipe Toledo’s apology was not enough to prevent him from being banned and fined by the World Surf League after he attempted to storm the judges’ tower following a decision that went against him at the Oi Rio Pro event in Brazil.
Toledo, surfing at his home event, was slapped with a one-event ban after losing his cool in a round-three elimination heat in Saquarema when he was penalised for an interference after a coming-together with the young US surfer Kanoa Igarashi.
The surfers collided as they competed for the same wave on which neither had priority. Igarashi was quicker to his feet and had better position on the peaking wave, leaving a clearly frustrated Toledo to gesticulate angrily in his opponent’s wake.
The penalty halved Toledo’s second-highest scoring ride from 5.67 to a 2.84 and the Brazilian’s hopes of securing a home victory were scuppered as Igarashi advanced to round four with a combined total of 11.73.
But it was Toledo’s reaction back on the beach that prompted the ire of officials as he struggled to control his temper and attempted to remonstrate with the judges.
“I’m a passionate guy and surfing is my life,” said Toledo. “After getting an interference in the third round in Saquarema, I was very upset and my actions after the heat were unacceptable.
“After cooling down, I realised that I was not myself. I’m very sorry for my behaviour. I want to apologise to the fans, my sponsors, the media and WSL. I take full responsibility for my actions and accept my suspension.”
Toledo also backed the judges’ call, calling their interpretation of the incident “correct”.
Toledo will miss the next event on the World Surf League calendar, the Fiji Pro starting on 4 June, before returning for Jeffreys Bay in July.
The WSL did not specify the amount of the fine but according to its rule book, the penalty for “entering judging area to complain/protest without permission of the head judge” ranges between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on whether it is a first, second or third violation.
Renato Hickel, the WSL’s deputy commissioner, said: “It’s disappointing when we have to pass disciplinary action for any of our surfers, but that behaviour is not acceptable for the sport.
“Filipe knows this and we look forward to seeing his talent back on tour very soon.”
