Why was Rui Hachimura ejected against France? Lakers star's absence during Olympic basketball game explored

Rui Hachimura starred in a controversial moment during Japan's duel against France in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Japanese forward was ejected over an alleged 'unsportsmanlike' foul on fellow NBA player Rudy Gobert.

With 8:31 minutes left on the clock in the fourth quarter, Hachimura received his second unsportsmanlike foul. As Gobert tried to go up for a layup attempt, the LA Lakers forward pulled his arm down, fouling the four-time Defensive Player of the Year award winner.

This wasn't more than just a regular play, but referees thought otherwise and called it unsportsmanlike. After reviewing the play, the decision stood, and Hachimura left the game after getting two unsportsmanlike fouls.

Rui Hachimura had a notable performance against France, carrying his team and putting pressure on France before getting ejected. At the time of the foul, the home team was leading 72-70. Hachimura had scored 24 points after shooting 7-for-11 on 2-point shots, 3-for-5 from the field and 1-for-2 from the free throw line. In 28 minutes of action, he grabbed three rebounds for Japan.

Hachimura performed well against Germany in a 97-77 loss on Saturday, dropping 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Fans criticize referees' decision to eject Rui Hachimura

Fans didn't take long to call out this call, flooding social media with comments against FIBA referees. Some couldn't believe what they saw, while others claimed FIBA basketball is 'softer' than the NBA.

"Bro really watched the replay and said “For me this is clear. Theres no play in the basketball,” one fan said.

"Who is hiring these refs 💀," one fan asked.

"Bro I thought the NBA was softer than FIBA lmao," one fan wrote.

Other fans accused the referees of being biased for France, even bringing Victor Wembanyama into the conversation.

"The referees are supporting France, man and they can't convince me otherwise," one fan said.

Japan managed to survive without Rui Hachimura on the court. They took France to overtime and even led them 84-80 at some point. At the time of writing, Japan is doing everything to stay close and steal the first win of the tournament.