 That was not the first time that Mekhissi-Benabbad had abused a mascot.After having again won the 3000 meter steeplechase final at the 2010 European Championships in Barcelona, Mekhissi-Benabbad asked a mascot to kneel in front of him before he pushed it to the ground.On 22 July 2011, immediately after the 1500m race of the Monaco meeting of the IAAF Diamond League, Mekhissi-Benabbad and his fellow competitor and compatriot Mehdi Baala traded blows on the track.