The Malta Olympic Committee yesterday issued a strongly-worded and categoric denial in connection with certain media reports about table-tennis player Simon Gerada, which it described as erroneous.

These reports claimed that after losing the match Simon Gerada ‘stormed out of the arena and threw his team shirt and bat in a bin’ following his 4-2 defeat at the hands of Australia’s William Henzell. It was also reported that the 25-year-old player later excused himself and added that he meant no disrespect for Malta.

The statement said that high ranking MOC officials were in attendance for the top clash and never witnessed this alleged incident. It added: “What one can comment on is the anti-sporting behaviour of the Australian player when finding himself 2-0 down, he ran out of the field of play with the umpire having to chase him and bring him back to the table.

The MOC added that the Australian player’s attitude totally disoriented the Maltese player and as a result he was psychologically harassed.