Romania's legendary gymnast Nadia Comaneci has defended compatriot Ilie Nastase following his outburst in Great Britain's Fed Cup match in Constanta.
Romania captain Nastase swore at the umpire before abusing Johanna Konta and GB captain Anne Keothavong on Saturday.
He was banned from the tie and later handed a provisional suspension by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
"Ilie is very patriotic and sometimes he says things that he doesn't really mean," Comaneci said.
But the close friend of two-time grand slam champion Nastase also warned that the 70-year-old must accept any punishment imposed by the ITF.