Mekhissi-Benabbad found himself under scrutiny again yesterday evening as the pre-race favourite chose to remove his top as he entered the home straight, sticking it in his mouth and waving to the crowd.

Having won the race in eight minutes and 7.45 seconds, he looked to have got away with the show-boating after receiving a yellow from the officials, only for Spain to launch an appeal citing rules on clothing, shoes and bibs.

The jury found in their favour, rejecting a counter-protest from France to disqualify Mekhissi-Benabbad, resulting in compatriot Yoann Kowal taking gold and Spaniard Angel Mullera promoted to bronze medal position.

Mekhissi-Benabbad was back on the track today, looking noticeably run-down as he qualified from the 1,500m semi-finals third in three mins 39.43secs.

“What I did yesterday? Je ne regrette rien (I regret nothing),” he said after the race.

“I did not know that I could be disqualified for such a thing. In every sport you can take your vest off, only in athletics you cannot. I find this very strange.

“Yesterday I went from big joy to immense sadness. I did not understand the reaction of the Spanish. I did not sleep this night.

“Mehdi Baala and my coach encouraged me a lot and gave me back my motivation for today’s race.

“I found the strength to come back here and to remobilise myself and get going again. I am very proud of myself.

“In the steeple final I did not hinder anybody and I won the race, I won the gold medal.

“As for this race, 200m before the finish line I was not yet qualified, but I found my strength and power again to make the third place and qualify directly. I am proud of that.

“The final will be in two days, so I have two days to recover. My dream is to win a medal there, but first I have to manage the big deception of yesterday.”