SHAH ALAM - Outraged by the relegation of Malaysia's Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom, internet users have flooded the Paris 2024 Instagram page, demanding justice and calling for the banning of Japanese cyclist Shinji Nakano, who was involved in a crash that marred Shah Firdaus’s Olympic final.
In the aftermath of Shah Firdaus’s controversial relegation from the men's keirin final at the Paris Olympics, a wave of discontent has swept across social media.
Fans and internet users alike have taken to Instagram and other platforms to voice their frustration, questioning the fairness of the decisions made by Olympic officials.
The incident took place during the men’s keirin final at the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines Velodrome, where Shah was on course for a potential podium finish.
However, as he approached the final bend, he was taken out by Nakano, sending him tumbling.
Internet users are particularly outraged by what they perceive as a miscarriage of justice.
Comments on the Paris 2024 Instagram page highlighted the growing frustration.
Instagram user @anisxoxo commented, "Why was Malaysia relegated? Shah Firdaus at least finished the race in honour. This is unfair!”
Another user, @aunimunira, wrote, "We cannot understand why Malaysia was relegated when it was clear from multiple video replays that the Japanese cyclist caused the crash. This is unacceptable!”
Similarly, @xyeve93 voiced discontent, saying, "Japan should have been disqualified. Malaysia deserved at least a medal!”
Echoing these sentiments, @fftinaaaaa said, "Worst Olympics ever! Azizulhasni (Datuk Azizulhasni Awang) was disqualified immediately, and Shah relegated despite the crash caused by Shinji Nakano. Paris 2024 is biased and shameful!”
Adding to the criticism, @luqmnarief commented, "Imagine being relegated for finishing fourth after a crash. Paris 2024, you have the worst judges and opening ceremony. Shame!”
The clash involved not just Shah Firdaus, but also Great Britain's Jack Carlin. Despite Shah Firdaus’s commendable effort to finish fourth, the crash and its aftermath overshadowed his performance.
Nakano’s role in the incident has drawn particular ire, with many fans calling for his disqualification and questioning the fairness of the race’s officiating.
Initially, Shah Firdaus was listed as finishing fourth in the men’s keirin final at the 2024 Paris Olympics but was later relegated to sixth place following a collision with Nakano, which also caused a crash involving Jack Carlin.
The official results were updated to reflect Shah Firdaus's relegation, with Harry Lavreysen of the Netherlands taking gold, and Australians Matthew Richardson and Matthew Glaetzer winning silver and bronze, respectively.