Sumo chief sorry for improper referee request

Apr 06, 2018 | News On Japan

Apr 06, 2018 (NHK) - The Japan Sumo Association has apologized for an inappropriate request that women leave a sumo ring where they were providing emergency treatment.

The apology came after female medics entered the ring during a spring sumo event in Manazuru City of Kyoto Prefecture on Wednesday.

The women were among association staffers trying to give emergency treatment to the city's mayor, Ryozo Tatami, who had suddenly collapsed while making a speech in the ring.

A referee urged the women to leave, as professional sumo traditionally bans women from entering the ring.

The mayor was later taken to a hospital and underwent an operation for brain hemorrhage.

Sumo Association Chairman Hakkaku issued an apology later in the day, calling the referee's response inappropriate.

Stablemaster Kasugano, who's in charge of sumo tours, also said the reaction was inappropriate even if the referee was upset during the emergency.

He added that the association will consider how to respond to emergencies.

The association had sparked controversy twice by barring female officials from entering the ring during award ceremonies.

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