Georgia’s Guram Tushishvili would have been able to continue his tournament in the collector’s round, but he burned out and flew out of the race.
SpongeBob Forsberg,
Joel Holm
2.8. 18:43•Updated 2.8. 18:45
Judo’s French superstar by Teddy Riner and the Georgian world champion Guram Tushishvilin the encounter in the heavyweight quarterfinals ended in an extraordinary clash and rejection.
Emotions heated up when Riner knocked Tushishvili down on the tatami for ippon worth and won the match. Riner did not immediately get off his opponent, and he lifted Riner with his legs in the air, causing the Frenchman to fall on his back to the ground.
After that, Tushishvili shoved his hand in Riner’s face and then started walking over his opponent. Riner grabbed Tushishvili by the leg, and the loser of the match turned and knocked Riner onto his back again.
Tushishvili received a hansokumake for his trick, i.e. a foul worthy of disqualification from the Games. He would have even been able to fight for a medal through the collector’s rounds, but he lost his chance.
Working as a judo judge at the Paris Olympics Brother-Matti Karinkanta says that disqualifications due to unsportsmanlike behavior are quite rare in the sport. Tushishvili is known as a fiery fighter who has received punishments before.
– Something similar happened a few years ago, but then he seemed to have learned. There was obviously so much pressure now. I almost got thrown on my back with an ippon. I don’t understand why you started protesting and slapping it. It was against the spirit of judo and unsportsmanlike behavior, which will result in a direct disqualification.
Karinkanta estimates that Tushishvili may still face sanctions, such as a ban from competition, as a result of the conflict. However, he does not decide on these matters.
The two have teamed up before. In 2022 at the EC Judo Club Team Championships, Tushishvili tried to grab Riner by the leg, which was considered to be a dangerous move that should be ordered with gloves. The Georgian won the match, but in the end Tushishvili was disqualified by the International Judo Federation.
International Judo Federation announced on Friday, that Tushishvili is not allowed to participate in international judo competitions until the federation’s disciplinary committee has investigated the matter.