Belarus official banned from Paralympics over Russian flag stunt

A Belarus official who took a Russian flag into the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games has been barred from the international competition.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) bans political gestures, and the official's actions violated these rules.

Russia, which borders Belarus, has been banned from the Games following revelations of large-scale state-sponsored doping.

The official has been identified by Russian media as Andrei Fomochkin, and has had his accreditation for Rio cancelled by the IPC.

Russia's Foreign Ministry reacted with delight, praising the "hero" who stood up for people who were "disgracefully treated".

The Foreign Ministry's spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Interfax news agency: "A hero has appeared amongst us.

"This is the person who showed solidarity with people who were disgracefully treated in an inhumane way in not being allowed to compete at the Paralympics."

Belarus's Foreign Ministry also supported his actions, with press secretary Dmitry Mironchik saying: "This was the right thing. If we need to answer for these gestures, then we will answer."

In a statement, the IPC said: "The IPC will be speaking to NPC Belarusto remind them political protests are forbidden at the Paralympic Games."