Winter Olympics 2014: Elise Christie reveals online abuse after second disqualification

Britain’s Skater Elise Christie has revealed that she has been the victim of online abuse after disqualification from the 500m short-track final on Thursday.

Christie was deemed to have impeded her fellow finalists after a clash with Italy’s Arianna Fontana sent the pair tumbling along with Park Seung-hi of South Korea.

And after falling foul of the referee’s rule book once more in the 1500m heats on Saturday, the 23-year-old – who was on the brink of tears - told of a troubled 48 hours in which she had deleted her Twitter account after suffering at the hands of cyber bullies.

"I have had a few people threatening me, cyber bullying basically," Christie told BBC Sport.

"I have had to deal with abuse on the internet as well. So, I have found it hard."

Christie returned to the Iceberg Skating Palace on Saturday having put her 500m final to the back of her mind.

But despite appearing to to edge out Fontana in a photo-finish and ease into the semi-finals, a surprised Christie was penalised and placed in last position.

"I was heading out to watch my teammate race, then I saw I had got a penalty," said a bewildered Christie.

"I had no physical contact with anyone, so I have no idea what I was penalised for.

"I was playing safe after the 500m final by trying not to be near anyone. I am gobsmacked - I expected the decision the other day, but not now."

Replays showed the Scot failing to cross the finish line after skating inside the track.