Shocking moment Olympic athlete is disqualified immediately after major rule break against opponent
Kya Buller
Featured Image Credit: Xavier Laine/Getty Images
French Judo star Teddy Riner remains on track to win gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics after his latest opponent was kicked out in disgrace.
35-year-old Riner's latest match ended in embarrassment for his opponent Guram Tushishvili, from Georgia, who found himself disqualified from the Olympics after his angry reaction to Riner's win on Friday (3 August).
Tushishvili was swiftly handed a red card for putting his leg into Riner's crotch, as well as placing his hand on his face and shoving him at the end of the match.
The scuffle appeared to show Tushishvili kicking out at Riner at one point.
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Riner is a three-time Olympic champion, having won gold in the men's +100kg category at both the 2012 and 2016 games, as well as in the mixed team event at the Tokyo Games in 2021.
Owing to his successes, Riner is a beloved presence at this year's Olympics, having been given the opportunity to light the Olympic cauldron at the opening ceremony, alongside retired sprinter Marie-Jose Perec.
Dutch commentators were unable to hold back when talking about Tushishvili's conduct - especially as judo is a sport known especially for the strict rules and codes of conduct.
One said: "What is this aggressiveness? This is not okay, this will get Georgia disqualified. He will be completely out of the tournament."
Another commentator concurred: "Completely. This is scandalous behaviour. Disrespectful. He's just throwing away an Olympic medal here."
Tushishvili appeared to acknowledge his unacceptable behaviour as he went on to shake Riner's hand.
But it was too little too late, as it was confirmed he had been disqualified and left unable to compete for bronze.
Things then went from bad to worse as The International Judo Federation announced Tushishvili will not be permitted to take part in the team event either, as his disqualification covers all aspects of the Olympic Games.
Riner has cruised through to the final four in contention, and will face another match on Friday (9 August).
People on social media were quick to offer up their own opinions.
One person wrote on X: "This judo stuff just got real spicy! That dude Tushishvili straight up lost his cool after Riner threw him. Disqualified for acting a fool, no bronze medal, and outta the team comp too. Total bummer, right?"
Another added: "Post-match drama between Guram Tushishvili and Teddy Riner is a disgrace."
While a third said: "Guram Tushishvili is an embarrassment to his country and judo."