Dutch gymnast sent home for breaking drinking rules

Dutch gymnast Yuri van Gelder has been sent home from the Olympics after flouting team rules in regards to consuming alcohol during a night out in Rio.

Van Gelder qualified for the finals of the rings competition on Saturday and celebrated by leaving the athletes village before returning in the early hours of Sunday morning. The 33-year-old has paid a heavy price for his venture out, though, with the Dutch team barring him from competing in the remainder of the Games.

"It's been a very difficult decision for us to take. It's terrible for Yuri, but this behaviour is unacceptable," Netherlands chef de mission Maurits Hendriks said via a statement on the gymnastic team's official website. "That behaviour does not belong to participation in the Olympics or any sport event whatsoever.

"In sporting terms it is a loss, but with such a breach of the values of the team we have no other choice. We stand for excellence and respect for all agreements and rules."