An assistant coach for the Russian women volleyball team is under fire for his racist slant eye gesture after an Olympics qualifying game on Sunday. Sergio Busato, who is of Italian descent, made the racist gesture after his team beat South Korea’s team 3-2 in Kaliningrad, reports Korea Times. The 53-year-old was photographed doing the racist gesture with a big grin aimed at South Korea’s bench.

Speaking with Russian news outlet Ria Novosti, Busato said that he was “surprised” that people thought it was racist and offensive. Additionally, he said the gesture was misinterpreted and that it was rather in celebration for qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Nevertheless, he issued an apology for his slant eye gesture.

Consequently, the Korea Volleyball Association (KVA) has slammed the coach and filed multiple complaints against Sergio Busato. One complaint was filed with the FIVB, the international volleyball federation. And the other with the Russian volleyball federation.

“We expressed regret at his racist gesture to FIVB and the Russian federation and demanded they take proper measures,” a KVA official told reporters.

“We’re trying to confirm if such an act is punishable by FIVB,” a KVA official added.

The FIVB told Inside the Games, “The FIVB is aware of this matter and notes that the Russian Volleyball Federation immediately took steps to get the picture taken down by various sites as the image does not reflect their views or values.

Furthermore, the FIVB confirmed that they received a complaint against Busato from the KVB and is investigating the matter.

“However, it is important to stress that the FIVB does not approve of any such culturally insensitive gestures, even if there was no intention to offend,” the FIVB added.

“The FIVB is committed to fostering better understanding and tolerance of the sport’s rich cultural and ethnic diversity.

“The FIVB will continue to work tirelessly with all its Member Federations to ensure that this work is reflected through the global volleyball community.”