On Saturday evening, the “Brüderstrasse” gym in Leipzig, Germany, witnessed a violent incident after the end of a judo fight, after the Georgian player Akaki Japaridze attacked his German competitor, Timo Kavilius, immediately after the end of the confrontation.
According to the “Nau” website, Jabaridze directed 3 punches at his opponent, who seemed surprised, after the latter apparently provoked him with a gesture of celebration after the end of the fight.
The newspaper “Leipziger Volkszeitung” reported that Kavilius suffered serious injuries, as he lost two teeth and suffered a broken jaw, which required him to be transferred to the hospital and undergo surgery at the University Hospital the same evening.
Kavilios is preparing to participate in the Olympic Games in 2028, but the duration of his absence from competitions and training is still unclear.
Japaridze may face a harsh penalty from the International Judo Federation, which may reach a life ban, while his club may be subject to a financial fine.
RB Leipzig condemned the incident in a statement, stressing that “violence has no place in our sport,” and added: “As judokas, we represent respect, tolerance, sportsmanship and mutual appreciation.”
