Melonik Banned! Forsaken’s Star Faces EMEA Masters Setback

Look Sports Media – Riot Games has concluded its investigation into a recent online dispute involving Team Forsaken and Bushido Wildcats, resulting in warnings for both organizations and a suspension for Forsaken’s top laner, Dawid "Melonik" Ślączka. The controversy, which unfolded during the EMEA Masters Summer finals, has also implicated Ziyad Apaydın, CEO of MISA Esports, leading to further sanctions.

The initial spark of the conflict was a public condemnation by Bushido Wildcats, a Turkish organization, regarding the behavior of Team Forsaken’s players. This criticism stemmed from a video circulating online that allegedly depicted Forsaken’s players engaging in lewd acts and making offensive remarks following their victory against Rich Gang in the EMEA Masters Last Chance Qualifier. Bushido Wildcats also accused Forsaken of racist comments and insults directed at Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of Turkey.

The accusations prompted a swift response from Riot Games, who launched an investigation into the matter. While both Team Forsaken, a Polish organization, and Bushido Wildcats received warnings, the most significant consequence was the two-game suspension handed down to Melonik. This suspension means he will miss a crucial portion of Forsaken’s upcoming best-of-five series against MISA Esports in the EMEA Masters.

Adding fuel to the fire, MISA Esports’ CEO, Ziyad Apaydın, also found himself in hot water after posting a controversial tweet expressing solidarity with Bushido Wildcats and using derogatory language towards Team Forsaken. Apaydın also received a warning from Riot Games for his actions.

Riot Games determined that all parties involved violated the Esports Global Code of Conduct, specifically sections 4.1 (General Obligations) and 4.9 (Vulgar or Provocative). These sections emphasize the importance of maintaining high standards of personal integrity and sporting conduct, and prohibit the use of offensive or objectionable language and gestures.

The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining professionalism and respect within the competitive esports scene. With Team Forsaken having eliminated Bushido Wildcats from the EMEA Masters, the upcoming match against MISA Esports is now charged with even more tension and anticipation.