French runner Hugo Hay was left ‘scared’ after being confronted by an enraged George Mills, who fell in a chaotic 5,000m race.
The first 5,000m heat was ran out a much slower pace than expected with the field packed up heading into the final straight.
Mills, who won 5,000m silver at last year’s European Games, was still in a strong position coming round the bend as he appeared to begin making his move.
But the British star appeared to be blocked from moving forward with Hay seen outstretching his arm with the two colliding.
George Mills confronted Hugo Hay after the messy race
REUTERS
Mills ended up taking a tumble with three other runners falling down with him while Hay managed to finish and secure qualification for the final.
The son of former England international Danny Mills marched over to Hay after the race and shoved his rival in a fit of rage.
Speaking afterwards, an incensed Mills doubted whether he would be reinstated to the final.
“It’s out of my control. Being in France and with it being a French guy taking me out, I can’t see much happening,” he said.
But Hay pleaded innocence to Mills’ claims, insisting he did nothing wrong and wanted to avoid retrospective punishment.
“I don’t think I pushed him,” he said.
“The Englishman tells me I pushed him.
“The last lap was crazy, everyone was pushing.
George Mills was one of four runners who fell in the final stretch
REUTERS
“It scares me a bit, the Englishman is a bit angry with me. I don’t think I pushed him.
“Something happened and then I turned around and everybody was on the floor.
“So I hope it’s not me, I’ve been really good.”
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George Mills was still furious after the race
REUTERS
The race referee eventually decided to reinstate Mills for the men’s final, along with Dominic Lokinyomo Lobalu, Mike Foppen and Thierry Ndikumwenayo.
It means the men’s 5,000m final will feature 20 runners, increasing the risk of more falls.
Former Team GB runner Allison Curbishley said: “There is going to be 20 men in the 5,000m final – it is madness.”