After Losing the Match, Vital Point Attack... Judo Athlete Ultimately Severely Punished

Disqualified with a Red Card for 'Unsportsmanlike Conduct'
Cannot Participate in International Competitions Until Final Decision Is Made

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, a Georgian judo athlete who committed unsportsmanlike conduct against French judo hero Teddy Riner received a severe penalty.

On the 2nd (Korean time), Guram Tushishvili of Georgia was disqualified with a red card by the referee for "actions against the spirit of judo" during the men's over 100kg quarterfinal match held at the Champ de Mars arena in Paris, France, against "French judo hero" Riner.

After being defeated by ippon by Riner that day, Tushishvili was seen lying on the ground and extending his foot toward Riner's groin. Riner, whose body was lifted off the ground, momentarily lost his balance and fell backward.

[Photo by AFP Yonhap News]

The arena was instantly filled with boos, but Tushishvili's abnormal behavior continued. After knocking Riner down to the floor, he glared at him and even touched his face. Furthermore, when Riner tried to get up, Tushishvili pushed him away with his body and knocked him down again. Ultimately, Tushishvili was disqualified with a red card for "actions against the spirit of judo." He later lost in the repechage and left the arena.

After the match, the International Judo Federation (IJF) held a disciplinary committee meeting and suspended Tushishvili from participating in the mixed team event scheduled for the 3rd. Additionally, the IJF announced that he would be banned from all international competitions until a final decision is made following further investigation.

Meanwhile, Riner went on to defeat South Korea's Kim Min-jong in the final and won his fourth Olympic gold medal. After the match, he expressed his intention to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as well.