The men’s 10k Olympics open water swimming ended in chaos today, as Jack Burnell was disqualified at the end of the race.
The marathon race ended as Burnell crossed the line with a number of other swimmers in a fight for the bronze, prompting a photo-finish.
After 10k in the water, punching, elbowing and kicking it has come down to a photo finish for bronze for Jack Burnell. Fingers crossed.
— Mark Chapman (@markchapman) August 16, 2016
Shortly after the results were published, showing Burnell in fifth place, he was disqualified.
To say Jack Burnell is furious is an absolute understatement. Just launched one of the all-time great rants after being disqualified.
— David Coverdale (@dpcoverdale) August 16, 2016
Upon hearing the news, Burnell launched into a blistering rant about the race and officials, calling it âan absolute jokeâ.
In an interview with the BBC he said: “This is meant to be the pinnacle of our sport and we have referees out there who don’t know what they are doing.”
He also claimed to have been a victim of cheating himself, saying: “Weâre all coming in a line, all the best guys in the water.
“I feel a hand on the back of my leg which stops me dead, I take a couple of strokes and heâs still on my foot.”
Twitter was ablaze with supportive tweets for Burnell, many commenting on the unfairness of the decision and commending his rant to the BBC as honest.
Woah. Angry interview from Jack Burnell after the 10k swim. He has a point too #swimming #gbr #Rio2016
— Mike Atkins (@MikeAtkns) August 16, 2016
The best rant i've ever seen on TV by Jack Burnell #MarathonSwimming #Rio2016 ðð½ððð
— Aeroson (@Aerosonn) August 16, 2016
Really hope Jack Burnell's appeal goes through, seems to be a terrible decision.
— Brad (@BradleyMell) August 16, 2016
Slagging off the judges when your appeal is going through may not be the best approach though.
Best time to slate judges for disqualifying you? When theyâre considering your appeal… GB marathon swimmer Jack Burnell rightly furious.
— Jo Gunston (@SportsLiberated) August 16, 2016
