Ian Nepomniachtchi was forced to change clothes for the World Blitz Championship because of a T-shirt with the phrase Lionel Messi
Russian grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi was forced to change clothes before the World Rapid Chess Championship match because of a T-shirt with the phrase Argentine football player Lionel Messi. It is reported by NRK.
The Russian violated the dress code of the tournament by appearing in a T-shirt with the inscription “What are you staring at, moron? Get out of here” in Spanish. Messi said these words to the Dutch striker Wout Weghorst during the 2022 World Cup.
The organizers twice issued a warning to Nepomniachtchi, after which he changed his clothes. The chess player called the dress code strange and added that the comfort of the participants should be put at the forefront, not restrictions.
On December 10, Messi insulted Weghorst during an interview after the quarter-final match against the Netherlands in Qatar. The striker explained his behavior by the fact that the Dutchman provoked the Argentina national team players before and during the meeting.
The World Rapid Chess Championship is taking place in Alma-Ata. The tournament will end on December 30th. In April-May 2023, Nepomniachtchi will fight for the world chess crown with the Chinese Ding Liren.
Source: Lenta
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