George Mills - chaos carnage and fiery confrontation

George Mills – chaos carnage and fiery confrontation – as athletes tumble

George Mills – chaos carnage and fiery confrontation

Britain’s George Mills was involved in a dramatic collision and fiery confrontation as the men’s 5,000 heats boiled over on day 12 at the Olympics.

GB’s George Mills had a confrontation with France’s Hugo Hay as he was one of multiple runners to fall in the final straight of the first 5,000m heat. Mills appeared angry and the two exchanged words about the collision.

But Mills – son of former England footballer Danny – is through to Saturday’s final despite fearing he was out after falling near the finish line.

Few would have forecast the men’s heats to be the most chaotic event of Paris 2024 so far – but it is a strong contender after Wednesday’s drama.

As the runners in heat one battled for a top-eight qualifying spot, European silver medallist Mills attempted to force his way through the field from near the back on the final straight.

In doing so he bumped shoulders with French runner Hugo Hay then collided with Eritrea’s Aron Kifle, causing both to fall into Mohammed Ahmed of Canada. Also collecting Dutch runner Mike Foppen.

He made it clear in an interview with Eurosport that he blamed Hay for the incident.

Mills finished 18th, but tournament organisers ruled that Mills had been impeded and sent him through along with Hay and the other fallers – meaning 20 men will compete in the 5,000m final on Saturday.

France’s Hay said: “At the end, there was a big pile-up. The Englishman came to tell me it was my fault, so I went to look at the slow-motion replay. As far as I’m concerned, it was someone who pushed me and I just put my elbow in”.

What do you think happened?