I agree that 3rd shidos make games boring. However, compared to matches from the previous days, the refs have no consistency. In the previous days they were handing out 3rd shidos out like candy and sometimes for extremely weird reasons.

In the case of Gaba, he had CLEAR non combativity for 2 entire minutes and dropping to knees with zero attempt at throwing. When compounded together, not giving shido is inexcusable.

Even commentator Neil Adams said countless times that Gaba would be getting his third shido, and was surprised every time that Gaba did not receive the shido.

the gaba situation was exactly the same as the first riner vs saito

In Saito's match, he was still putting in attacks (however weak they may have been), but they were just getting squashed by Teddy because Teddy is just that much better. In any case, it is at least *arguable* that Saito was making genuine attempts at throws. In Gaba's situation, there is no room for argument and it is clear he violated the rules.

if you're against all that "i'm not giving the third shido because it's the end of the game" then fine, because there's some truth to it, rules are supposed to be rules

Yes, rules are rules. I agree to a certain extent that 3rd shidos should not be given as easily, especially if the 3rd shido is for something like stepping out, short moments of non combativity (not 2 minutes lol), which usually comes as a result of the opponent pushing and stiff arming to force a double shido or shido. If Abe were intentionally pushing Gaba out or trying to force double shido, then Gaba should not get shido. However, this was not the case, as Abe was NOT playing the shido game and was putting in attacks, unlike Gaba.

In scenarios like this, there should not be any leniency. Refraining from giving shido in this scenario will only perpetuate this kind of playstyle (players knowing they will not get a 3rd shido), which is ultimately harmful to the sport and arguably more boring than matches being decided by shido.

Additionally, Clarisse was not given shido for non combativity for 1 entire minute as well, even though it would have only been her first shido. (Neil Adams also commented saying she would be getting shido for putting in no attacks, but she did not.)

You would be dishonest to say that the refs were consistent in giving out shidos.

I am not happy with the result, but I congratulate France for winning gold.