Short track speed skater Sjinkie Knegt disqualified for obscene gesture towards Russia's Viktor Ahn

The incident happened at the European Championships in Dresden

Sjinkie Knegt (R) of the Netherlands' team gestures next to Victor An (L) of the team of Russia celebrating after Russia won the men's 5000m relay final race of the ISU European Short Track speed skating Championships in Dresden, eastern Germany, on Janua (GETTY IMAGES)

Three-time Olympic short track gold medallist Viktor Ahn was left to celebrate after leading Russia to team relay glory at the European Championship in Dresden, but it seems that his rival Sjinkie Knegt was far from happy with defeat.

So much so, that Knegt immediately raised both his middle fingers in the direction of Ahn, displaying an obscene gesture for all to see that unsurprisingly led to his disqualification. Knegt also kicked out in Ahn's direction, although he was far enough away that he wouldn't connect with his opponent with the sharp blade on his ice skates.

The European Championships represents the final major tournament before next month’s Winter Olympics in Sochi. Both Knegt and Ahn will compete in the short track speed skating, and fans will be watching closely to see if Knegt has learnt his lesson.

Despite Knegt appearing to give the two-finger salute in sheer anger, it could well have been an attempt to ramp up the interest ahead of their next meeting in Russia. One things for sure, not many of you will want to miss the short track speed skating when it kicks off on February 10.

You can watch the video of the full race below (Go to 6:35 to watch the final three laps unfold as Ahn and Knegt battle for the lead):