French runner disqualified because he can’t keep his shirt on
If the NFL is the “No Fun League” for banning celebrations, what is the European Athletic Championships?
Dean Mouhtaropoulos
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
Mahiedine Mekhissi-Benabbad should be wearing gold around his neck on Friday morning, but he’s not. Instead the French runner is walking away empty handed, all because he couldn’t keep his shirt on.
Nobody was close to him when they rounded the corner for the final sprint. Mekhissi-Benabbad was pulling away and he knew it. In celebration he removed his shirt, stuffed it in his mouth and crossed the finish line. Then the clear winner of the 3000m Steeplechase had everything taken away.
Photo via Dean Mouhtraopolous, Getty Images
Initially he received a yellow card as a warning during his victory lap, but Spain lodged a formal complaint that Mekhissi-Benabbad violated the event’s clothing standard and he was disqualified as a result. We’re sure it had nothing to do with the fact Spain finished fourth and fifth, meaning a disqualification would net them a medal.
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