Fred Kerley Claps Back at Fan Dragging American Athletes After Tshepiso Masalela Disqualification

Olympic 100m bronze medallist Fred Kerley has clapped back at a fan for dragging American athletes following the disqualification of Tshepiso Masalela while competing at the World Athletics Indoor Tour event in Toruń on Sunday.

Competing in the 1500m, Tshepiso Masalela narrowly defeated France's Azeddine Habz, clocking 3:32.55 to win the race while also establishing a new Botswana national indoor record.

However, the celebrations were short-lived as officials disqualified the 26-year-old after ruling that a gesture he directed toward Habz in the closing metres of the race breached competition conduct standards.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

The decision was made under Rule TR 7.1 of the World Athletics regulations, which covers improper or unsportsmanlike behaviour. The victory and accompanying prize money were subsequently awarded to Habz, who had crossed the line in 3:32.56.

Following the disqualification, critics were quick to highlight what they see as inconsistencies in how celebratory gestures are officiated.

American sprinter Noah Lyles made a similar motion after winning the 200m at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships without facing any sanction.

Similarly, British distance runner Charles Hicks received no disciplinary action for a comparable gesture at the Stanford Invitational.

One fan in particular shared a post on their X (Twitter) handle, shared a post saying: “They never DQ the Americans when they pull sht like this…”

The 2022 world 100m champion took note of the statement and clapped back at the fan, saying: “See we helping brother out now you talking about America. The world just said the sports is soft.”

Fred Kerley had earlier criticised the ruling as overly severe, defending Tshepiso Masalela. "[You] gotta get the old heads [away] from the sport to have some fun," Fred Kerley posted on social media.

Despite the criticism, the ruling stood. For Tshepiso Masalela, that difference in interpretation proved costly, denying him what would have been the most significant indoor victory of his career.