CHAMP GUTTED BY DISQUALIFICATION

ENGLAND’S world champion swimmer Ben Proud says he’s gutted to lose his appeal after being disqualified at the Commonwealth Games.

Proud was disqualified for movement on the starting blocks ahead of his 50m butterfly heat yesterday.

The Englishman, who is also the reigning Commonwealth 50m fly and 50m freestyle champion, won the heat by nearly a body length – and in the fastest heat time – but was disqualified post-race. Proud challenged the decision but the disqualification was upheld by an independent appeals board.

“I am in the shape of my life and am gutted to miss out on the opportunity to show what I can do,” he said. “Unfortunately before the start signal I was judged to have moved my leg and the referee deemed this enough for a disqualification.”