Mehdi Baala apologised after coming to blows with fellow Frenchman Mahiedine Mekhissi Benabbad at the Diamond League meeting in Monaco last night, blaming the incident on a 'misunderstanding'.
After the duo had finished down the field in the 1500 metres, Baala appeared to headbutt Mekhissi Benabbad sparking a furious response before they were separated by officials.
Baala, who finished ninth in the race, two places ahead of Mekhissi Benabbad, told Canal Plus: "There was a misunderstanding. I went to comfort him (Mekhissi Benabbad) after the race as he looked to be in trouble. But he said 'If I don't say hello, I have my reasons' and put his forehead against mine.
"I want to apologise to everyone as we are athletes and should lead by example. But sometimes there are reactions which are out of character."
Baala won bronze in the 1,500m at the 2008 Olympics while Mekhissi Benabbad claimed silver in the 3,000 steeplechase in Beijing.
The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) will wait for an official report from the Monaco meeting organisers before deciding if any investigation is to be opened into last night's incident.
An IAAF statement to Press Association Sport read: "The IAAF understands that the Herculis Monaco meeting organisers will be submitting an official report concerning the men's 1500 metres last night."
The statement added: "The Meeting organisers send an official report of the incident (as compiled by the official in charge of the field of play at the time) to their National Federation. In the case of an IAAF competition circuit like the Samsung Diamond League, either directly or via the National Federation, the report would also be sent to the IAAF General Secretary.
"After the report is studied, should it be found there is a case to answer a full investigation would be held, and if the case is proven the National Federation and/or the IAAF have the power to sanction the athlete or athletes involved on the grounds of bringing the sport of athletics into disrepute."
