The two people, who were photographed surfing on Venice’s busiest canal, unleashed the anger of the Italian city’s mayor. When the videos were shared online, they sparked a backlash.
Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro offered free dinner to those who identified the duo and demanded punishment.
Local media reported that two people were identified and fined.
HE wing surfing is a water sport consisting of surfing with a board with a large spine – powered by the wind and kitesurfing, windsurfing and surfing. They often have built-in electric thrusters.
Combined with other sports such as surfing stand up shovel or canoeing on the Grand Canal in Venice is prohibited.
However, that didn’t stop the two water sports enthusiasts from navigating the historic center of the city.
Recordings posted online show the two people surfing electrical panels while watching people from nearby boats.
One of the surfers appears to be taking a photo with his cell phone before falling into the water.
After the videos sparked criticism from online users, the mayor of Venice reiterated the comments, saying the two were mocking the city and needed to be identified.
“I’m hosting dinner for anyone who sees them,” he tweeted, describing them as “bragging idiots.”
A police investigation was opened, and Brugnaro later wrote on Twitter that the two had been identified.
However, he never mentioned the dinner.
According to the news of the local newspaper Il Gazettino, the jerseys of the two athletes worth approximately $25,000 were confiscated. In addition, both were fined and expelled from Venice for endangering navigational safety on the canal.
They may face criminal prosecution for tarnishing the city’s image.
– This text has been published actually inside https://www.bbc.com/portuguese/internacional-62589065
source: Noticias
[author_name]
