Scott, Sun warned for inadequate behaviours at medal-awarding ceremony

World swimming governing body FINA on Tuesday issued a statement, warning both Britain's Duncan Scott and China's Sun Yang for their inadequate behaviours at the medal-awarding ceremony of the men's 200-meter freestyle.

China's Sun Yang, gold medalist of men's 200-meter freestyle at the 2019 World Championships, poses for photos with Matsumoto Katsuhiro from Japan and Malyutin Martin from Russia during the awarding ceremony. Scott Duncan from Britain refuses to stand on the podium or shake hands with Sun. [Photo: IC]

"Both competitors had an inadequate behaviour on this occasion, which is not acceptable in accordance with the FINA Constitution Rule C 12.1.3.," the statement read.

Sun retained the 200m freestyle title at the world championships on Tuesday night after Danas Rapsys of Lithuania finished first but got disqualified for an apparent false start.

Sun touched second, but was elevated to the top, followed by Katsuhiro Matsumoto of Japan. Martin Malyutin of Russia and Duncan Scott tied for bronze.

Scott refused to shake hands with Sun on the podium or join him and the other medallists on the top step to pose for photos. Scott also incited Malyutin to do the same.

Sun, who is a bit angry, said to Scott in English, "You lose, I win."

After analysing the situation, the FINA Executive decided to send a warning letter to both Scott and Sun.