Furious Michael Dunlop rages at North West 200 official after race exclusion

It was a largely frustrating day for Michael Dunlop at the North West 200 on Saturday. The Ballymoney rider was back at the Triangle attempting to record his first win at the event since 2016.

He was also fine tuning his bikes ahead of the Isle of Man TT which begins on June 1. Dunlop will be bidding to write his name in the history books on the Mountain Course, as he needs one more TT win to draw level with legendary uncle Joey Dunlop.

On Saturday Dunlop finished third in the Anchor Bar Superbike and Tides Restaurant Supersport races. His Superbike podium came despite picking up a 10-second penalty for failing to stop and place his foot in the stop box after missing Mather's chicane.

Read more: North West 200 RECAP: Saturday's races as they happened

Read more: NW200: Adam McLean reacts to Davey Todd incident and confirms withdrawal

There was further disappointment for Dunlop and his fans after he was excluded from the re-run CP Hire Superstock race after failing to take part in a sighting lap. Rules state that all riders must complete the practice lap before competing in the race.

Dunlop - who was seen nursing his right hand in a bag of ice following a crash at the recent Cookstown 100 - only discovered his fate moments before the restart, and when his bike was being wheeled off the grid.

Obviously angered by the decision, Dunlop confronted one of the officials at the front of the grid, pointing with his gloves and letting off a verbal blast before walking away.

Some fans could be heard booing the decision, but they were soon cheering again when Dunlop reappeared for the final race of the day, the Merrow Hotel and Spa Superbike contest, where he finished fourth.

Glenn Irwin was the toast of the day, completing his Superbike hat-trick to become the most successful rider ever in the class at the North West 200. There were also doubles on the day for Davey Todd and Peter Hickman.

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