A former Olympian has been disqualified from a triathlon event over what viewers are calling a "stupid rule".
As reported by news.com.au, Czech athlete Petra Kurikova was competing at the Arena Games Triathlon in Munich this week, when she was suddenly disqualified from the event.
Footage shows Kurikova - who was leading stage one with a six-second advantage - getting ready for the second heat of stage two, preparing herself on the blocks by the pool.
However, moments after Kurikova turns around to spit on the floor, a World Triathlon official can be seen approaching her. To the athlete's dismay, she is then shown a red card and disqualified from the event.
A commentator can be heard saying: "Of course, that is against the rules and she was extremely upset. And why not? She was six seconds to the good at that point and then she was gone and that left just the five athletes battling it out for three qualification spots."
Check out the divisive moment below:
Later on during the event, Kurikova could be seen sitting down with the senior official, who could be seen pointing to his cell phone screen and appearing to explain something to the athlete.
"It wouldn’t be a Super League event without just a little bit of controversy," the commentator adds.
Sharing the clip on the Super League Triathlon, social media users were posed with the simple question: "Should this be a DQ?"
Some people did side with the officials, with one person commenting: "Rules are rules. Things you do that will disqualify you must have been briefed before race day. So, no. I don’t feel sorry for her."
However, the response was overwhelmingly in support of Kurikova, with people branding the ruling as "ridiculous" and a "joke".
"That kind of stupid rule makes the sport look like an absolute joke," one Instagram user wrote.
"At most a warning first but not a straight DQ," a second added.
Another social media user commented: "Should have been a warning first then a red card."
The ref's decision meant that Spain's Anna Godoy could claim third place and keep her in the competition.
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