Mekhissi redeems himself with 1500m title

French athletics badboy Mahiedine Mekhissi won the European outdoor 1500 metres title on Sunday to make up for the disappointment of being disqualified after winning the 3000m steeplechase on Thursday.

The 29-year old — a two-time Olympic silver medalist in the steeplechase — sauntered home in a race littered with falls to take the gold on the final day of the championships in Zurich.

Mekhissi, who was given a suspended ban by the French federation, fined 1,500 euros and ordered to perform 50 hours of community service after getting into a fist fight with compatriot Mehdi Baala after a Diamond League 1500m race in 2011, was disqualified after winning his third successive steeplechase European crown on Thursday for whipping off his vest before the end of the race.