Chinese coach calls for consistency in rules after disqualification in PyeongChang

World
Europe

China has appealed disqualification in short track speed skating women's 3,000m relay final at the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games, said the Chinese team's coach on Tuesday.

Team South Korea crossed the finish line first with some unclear actions, while Team China crossed the finish line second. But after a discussion among referees, the South Korean team defended the gold medal with 4 minutes 7.361 seconds, while Italy clinched silver and the Netherlands, which finished first in Group B got bronze as a substitute. China and Canada were disqualified.

Athletes in action during the short track speed skating women's 3,000m relay final. /VCG Photo

China’s short track speed skating head coach Li Yan appealed to ISU technique committee.

“I just want to ask them (referees on race and International Skating Union (ISU) technique committee). They should have a consistent call in the same race, and we wish we could find out the clear reason of penalization. I didn’t say that we didn’t do anything wrong, but every contact or problem points need to have the same call in one race,” Li told CGTN in an exclusive interview.

Li Yan reacts after China got penalized. /VCG Photo

Li said referees explained that China was penalized due to cross track.

"I always accepted referees' decision," said Li. "but the decision needs to be consistent to everyone and every race, I will accept that."

"The race is the race. When the match is over, you can never come back. If we really want to get the first place, we have to wait for another four years," Li told Team China after the final.

The decision has left many perplexed. CGTN’s Tracey Holmes spoke to the spokesperson of the International Olympic Committee seeking clarification.

"Obviously, judging is always a very complicated issue, and particularly in short track speed skating we’ve seen it," said Mark Adams, IOC spokesperson.

"I think there you have to go to the ISU because they are in charge of it. And I am not sure if they could give you explanation for each case, but I think they are the correct people to explain it, the judging system."