It is still unclear as to why GB have been disqualified despite them finishing the race in first place in a time of 2:58.88.

However, the IAAF's race report states they were punished for "taking the baton out of an exchange zone".

Athletics legend Michael Johnson said: "It has to have been a judge that decided he saw something somewhere that they decided was an infringement, but I just can't think what that could be."

BBC commentator Steve Cram added: "We have been told it is a rule where you cannot start running outside of the zone.