Controversial 3 month ban on Alexandra Bøje and Mette Poulsen

Denmark’s disciplinary committee banned Alexandra Bøje and Mette Poulsen from all tournaments for the next 3 months.

This ban was announced during the finals of the 2021 RSL DM (Danish national championships) that took place last month. When Alexandra Bøje / Mette Poulsen were playing the women’s doubles finals against Sara Thygesen / Maiken Fruergaard, a series of 4 service faults were called against Bøje & Poulsen by the service umpire at the start of the match and a total of 8 service faults were called against them, which led to the harsh resentment from the players.

Bøje became absolutely furious and started protesting against the service judge. Poulsen even broke into tears towards the end of the first game. An angry Bøje was heard saying “It’s the fu&*$%^ same serve. I served like this three weeks ago at the Tokyo Olympics. And there it was not faulted. Why is it faulted now every single time I serve?”.

The match & the national title was won by Sara Thygesen / Maiken Fruergaard, the final score being 21-14, 21-18.

The ban on Bøje and Poulsen was mainly due to their conduct on the court which could have damaged the reputation of the Denmark Badminton Association. The disciplinary committee banned them from playing any tournament, local or international, held in Denmark in the next three months. They can still go ahead and participate in any tournament held anywhere in the world.

The duo will miss the upcoming Sudirman Cup, Thomas & Uber Cup, and the BWF Super 1000 world tour The Denmark Open, all to be held in Denmark in October. Bøje and Poulsen have four weeks to appeal the ban with the Danish national Olympic committee.