Fans boo convicted rapist at volleyball

Fans booed a Dutch beach volleyball player convicted of raping an underaged girl as he played his first match at the Paris Olympics, where his controversial selection has put the sport in the spotlight.

Steven van de Velde, now aged 29, was convicted in 2016 of raping an underage girl and sentenced to four years in prison.

He walked onto centre court with teammate Matthew Immers yesterday morning to cheers and applause, with many orange-clad Dutch fans standing to clap the pair.

When he was introduced individually over the loudspeaker, however, there was a loud chorus of boos from the crowd.

The player has been given the support of his country's national Olympic committee, and exchanged a warm hug with teammate Immers before the start of the game.