Runners question why Norweigan runner Filip Ingebrigtsen wasn’t disqualified for this punch – runnersworld.com

Runners are questioning why Norweigan runner Filip Ingebrigtsen wasn’t disqualified after he punched Ethiopia’s Teddese Lemi in the back during the men’s 1500m heats, during the World Championships in Doha.

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The pair were jostling for position on the final lap of their 1500m heat when Ingebrigtsen appears to punch Lemi in the back. Following the impact, Lemi appears to fall to the ground, before being trampled on by the rest of the pack of runners. Ingebrigtsen went on to qualify for today’s semi final.

Michael SteeleGetty Images

BBC commentator Steve Cram later said in the studio that he was stunned by the race stewards ruling that Ingebrigtsen shouldn’t be punished. Cram said, “That’s a punch. That is a punch. If the track referee hasn’t seen that, we’ve seen that, I’m amazed. This is nothing against Flip, that could be anybody, I am amazed he hasn’t been disqualified thus far.”

American Olympic athlete Michael Johnson added that it was not just the “touch” that bothered him, but the fact that Ingebrigtsen cut Lemi up, tripping him.

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