Fuming Paralympics viewers blasted one of Iran’s “fastest men” after he was accused of “inciting terrorism” by lifting up a forbidden flag to celebrate his win.
The javelin ace was disqualified from the competition, reportedly for presenting a non-state flag, but some say the action didn’t go far enough as they shared their shock that he’d shown a flag that some linked to ISIS – a terrorist organisation. “Action should be taken against him not just by the Olympic Association but also on the basis of French law,” one sporting fan declared on Twitter.
“Otherwise more such crazy people will come and will leave medals to become great among their fanatics. France should arrest him first.” Another enraged fan shared anger emojis as he wrote: “Look at this MF… he was showing a flag related to terrorism, ISIS and Jihad!”
“Sick man! Shameless!” exclaimed a third viewer, while a fourth chimed in wondering whether he’d been “brainwashed”. “Iranian Athlete openly displays the flag of Jihad used by ISIS & other terrorist organisations in the F41 #Paralympics2024 final. His result should be immediately revoked & appropriate disciplinary action should be taken against him!” argued a fifth.
However, others branded the decision “profoundly unfair and immoral”, with one arguing: “It is a banner commemorating a Shia Muslim historical figure. It isn’t an ISIS or Hamas flag. It’s not even a flag. It’s a banner.” The contestant – Beit Sayah Sadegh – did get disqualified, in spite of setting a Paralympic record with his javelin throw of 47.64 meters.
He was deemed to have violated Paralympic code by brandishing a non-state flag – and he was stripped of his medal.
The surprise twist saw Indian contestant Navdeep Singh become a last-minute Paralympics champion.
His original silver medal was upgraded to Gold, boosting his country to 15th place on the medal table with an impressive 29 medals.
Fans praised his “monumental achievement”, commenting on how close he’d come to not claiming gold, despite being almost as fast at 47.32 meters.
Singh has now given his country its first ever gold medal in the Men’s Javelin F41 category.
As yet, Sadegh has not commented and there is no news on whether the current situation affects his eligibility for future Paralympics events.
Express.co.uk has approached a rep for comment.
Meanwhile, in other Paralympic news, British wheelchair tennis player Alfie Hewett was edged out by a Japanese contestant in the singles final.
Alfie was visibly disappointed after enduring a groin injury in the first set, and although he still managed to scrape the second, he eventually lost out to Tokito Oda with the score 6-2, 4-6, 7-5.
Related News :