Chinese state media has hit back at Australian swimmer Mack Horton by passing several harsh comments on Australia in a critically written editorial, the Telegraph reported.  

The harsh comment comes in the wake of the ongoing drugs row between Mack Horton and his Chinese counterpart Sun Yang. In an editorial that appeared in China's state-backed Global Times newspaper, Australia was referred as a 'second-class citizen' and a prison house for 'unwanted criminals.'

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The editorial said: "From China's perspective, Australia, an English-speaking, and developed country, is a typical part of the Western world. But actually, Australia has always been a "second-class citizen" in the West, and many people from Western Europe, especially the UK, feel condescension toward Australians."

The editorial dug out Australia's history, adding that the country was once the land of UK's unwanted criminals, and this has remained a stigma that is still attached to Australia till this date. It further accused the Australian people of suffering from inferiority complex and always seeking acceptance from the Western world.

The Doping Fiasco  

The entire doping controversy started after Mack Horton called Sun Yang a "drug cheat." Horton's harsh comment emerged in Australian media just hours before he defeated Yang to secure a gold medal in the 400m freestyle final event.    

Horton's comment did not go to well with the Chinese contingent, who immediately issued an official statement demanding an apology from Australian swimmer. However, instead of an apology, Australia's Olympic Association (AOC) commented in support of Horton.

"He has spoken out in support of clean athletes," the statement by AOC said, adding that the Australian swimmer is fully entitled to express his opinion.            

Mack Horton and Sun Yang will compete in the 1,500m freestyle event later this week. Meanwhile, Sun made history on Monday by becoming the first Chinese swimmer to win a gold medal in the Olympic men's 200-meters freestyle event.

TagsMack Horton, Sun Yang, Rio Olympics 2016, Rio Olympics Doping Scandal