Arabic version: استبعاد تانغ جينغ بعد ادعاء عضّ واضح

According to BBC News, Chinese judoka Tang Jing was disqualified from the women’s -70kg quarter-finals at the Asian Games in Nagoya after appearing to bite the left forearm of Japanese opponent Rin Maeda. Officials ruled that Tang, a three-time Asian Games medallist, had shown unsportsmanlike behaviour.

The incident occurred early in the bout after the athletes were separated from a hold. Maeda rolled up her sleeve and showed the referee her forearm, where what appeared to be a bite mark was visible above her wrist. Officials then reviewed video footage before issuing Tang, 31, with a disqualification.

Maeda advanced from the quarter-final and went on to win the women’s -70kg event. The 21-year-old secured the gold medal by defeating Kazakhstan’s Azhar Askhat. Tang appeared to contest the decision before shaking hands with Maeda and leaving the competition area. She did not offer media interviews.

Maeda said she had been uncertain about what would happen after reporting the issue to the referee. “It’s not something that happens very often, so it was a first for me,” she told reporters. Her coach, Maki Tsukada, said the mark was “very clear and distinct” and that it looked as though it “was really going to bleed.” Maeda said she felt some pain, but added that adrenaline meant she did not notice it once she returned to the mat.