BBC BACK GABBY OVER CLAIMS OF ‘BULLYING’ IAAF INTERVIEW

THE BBC have defended their coverage after Gabby Logan was accused of bullying Pam Venning, the head of medical services at the IAAF, during a debate about Isaac Makwala’s controversial exclusion from the 400metres on Tuesday night. Viewers took to social media to attack Logan for ‘bullying’ and ‘hectoring’ the medical expert about the ruling that prevented Makwala from taking part in the 400m final over risks that his illness was contagious. Logan defended herself on Twitter and the BBC added in a statement: respectful with Dr Venning able to present the IAAF’s position clearly.’ The German team have reported 13 members of their squad and staff have contracted the norovirus at the Tower Hotel, which they are sharing with the Irish, Botswana, Canada and Puerto Rico contingents. German team doctor Andrew Lichtenthal said: ‘We are in a medical crisis. I didn’t think it would be like this. I thought I would come to London and it would be nice, but I haven’t seen one competition because of managing this crisis. ‘I am happy that we have four doctors because the Canadian doctor is alone and the Canadian team has 10 cases. We need hygenic rules. If you see a German athlete he won’t shake your hands. We are not allowed to. We don’t cuddle. We don’t give high-fives. We give fist bump. President Obama invented it — it’s called ghetto fist. We allow the first pump as the only possible contact because if somebody wins you have to show your emotions. So that is allowed.’