A surfer at the centre of serious allegations surrounding a recent competition has received a formal apology after the claims were confirmed to be false.
The Channel Islands Surfing Federation (CISF) publicly accused Jersey surfer Ian Battrick of verbally and physically abusing fellow competitors during the GB Surf event in Thurso, Scotland, on 26 October. The federation also alleged he threatened a cameraman and forcibly dunked a female competitor—claims that contributed to the event being postponed.
CISF has now withdrawn all allegations, admitting they were untrue. The organisation said it had made “an error of judgment” in publishing the statements, which it acknowledged were widely shared across international media and social platforms. It also apologised for referring to Mr Battrick as “brainless”.
“We apologise unreservedly to Mr Battrick for our error of judgment in publishing these statements, together with all and any distress caused to him,” CISF said in a statement, adding that both parties now wished to “draw a line under” the matter.
Mr Battrick welcomed the apology and described the ordeal as “one of the most difficult and traumatic periods” of his life. He said being wrongly portrayed as violent towards other surfers had caused significant personal and professional harm.
“I’m relieved the truth has been recognised,” he said. “But the damage done—to my mental health and to my business—will take a long time to repair. I hope this makes people think before...
Tamil Nadu Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare M.R.K. Panneerselvam on Saturday (November 22, 2025) accused the Opposition parties of spreading false allegations against the State govern...