Georgian judoka banned from Bundesliga after attacking German opponent

Georgian judoka Akaki Japaridze has been banned for life from the Judo Bundesliga after he attacked German opponent Timo Cavelius following a league bout earlier this month.

The Georgian is banned even from being registered with or competing for a club in the top division organized by the German Judo Federation (DJB), the body said in a statement.

"I find that reassuring and it makes me proud, because it reflects our sport and our values. I'm therefore satisfied with the outcome of the proceedings," Bundesliga representative Pamela Bickendorf said of the decision.

Japaridze beat Olympian Cavelius so badly that he broke his jaw. 

The Georgian is also facing proceedings before his country's judo federation and the International Judo Federation (IJF), as well as criminal proceedings in Germany.

Japaridze said that his reaction was triggered by Cavelius's celebration after the bout, which he considered "insulting to my honour."

Cavelius raised a clenched fist towards his team and also towards the Georgian after his win. Japaridze then suddenly started punching his opponent.

Cavelius, who had his jaw fixed with three plates in hospital, must now wait around 10 weeks before he can fight again and will miss October's world championships.