THIS is the moment a volleyball player shocked a stadium full of fans with a dramatic apology.
The Japanese athlete made a very visible display of on-court regret after his serve and hit a female official.
Yuji Nishida slid across the volleyball court to apologise to the unsuspecting judgeCredit: X
His dramatic apology sparked laughter and applause in the stadiumCredit: X
His rogue serve accidentally hit an unsuspecting judge who was seated court-sideCredit: X
Both judge and player bowed to each other following the comedic incidentCredit: X
Volleyball star Yuji Nishida, 26, had been taking part in a half-time serving challenge when he was caught on camera accidentally hitting a judge with the ball.
The footage shows his serve fly across the net before smashing into a court-side official.
Horrified, Nishida launched himself across the court, nose diving in the process.
He then slid at high speed on his stomach towards the waiting fan, in a massive display of apology.
As he approached the official, Nishida slid to a stop, before getting to his knees and continuing to bow multiple times towards the woman.
The judge, equally embarrassed by the ordeal, was caught on camera laughing and bowing to the player in turn.
Both parties walked away from the moment smiling and giggling.
The video was filmed at the SV League all-star event in Kobe.
His striking apology sparked laughter and applause from the audience and his teammates and has since gone viral online.
Online punters have weighed in on the incident, praising Nishida for his actions.
“That slide says respect and sincerity louder than words,” one user wrote.
“Dude, that slide looks painful,” said another.
A third quipped: “He knows how to pay respect and sincerity via a crazy good slide.”
Following the blunder, Nishida – also the captain of the Osaka Bluteon team – continued to impress in the all-star match.
His team triumphed with a 3-0 victory and he won the MVP award, according to the Guardian.
Nishida’s gesture is known as dogeza – a traditional Japanese form of apology and plea.
Normally, the sorry person would kneel on the ground and bow so that their forehead touches the floor.
Dogeza is most commonly saved for moments of deep remorse or strong demonstrations of respect.
The player walked away still embarrassed at his own errorCredit: X
Yuji Nishida is the star captain of the Osaka Bluteon volleyball teamCredit: Getty 
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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