Chair umpire Gianluca Moscarella has been suspended for misconduct during a match between Pedro Sousa and Enrico Dalla Valle in Florence, which included him making indecent comments towards a ball girl.
In a video posted on YouTube, Moscarella could be heard making obscene remarks to the ballgirl such as calling her "very sexy" and "fantastic", whilst he could also be heard urging one of the players to win.
ATP Tour announced it would be investigating the matter, after announcing the suspension this week.
“We are aware of a number of incidents involving chair umpire Gianluca Moscarella during a match between Pedro Sousa and Enrico Dalla Valle at the ATP Challenger Tour event in Florence last week,” the organisation said in a statement, according to Tennis.com.
“Moscarella was immediately dismissed from the tournament when the matter was brought to light, and a full investigation has been initiated. Meanwhile, Moscarella has been provisionally suspended from his services as a contracted ATP Official pending the results of the investigation.”
BREAKING VIDEO! More about the umpire behaviour in that match. Said to ballgirl "“You are fantastic” “Very sexy” “Are you ok? It’s hot. Do you feel hot? Phisically or emotionally?” Is this acceptable addressed to a young girl even if said "as a joke"?https://t.co/IUHEZ5oySa
— Stefano Berlincioni (@Carretero77) September 29, 2019
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