Badminton fans say they're disgusted by the scandal that dominated the fifth day of the Olympic Games.

Eight players from China, Indonesia and South Korea have been disqualified for attempting to throw their matches in order to secure a better position later in the tournament. A referee could be seen addressing two of the teams after a series of missed shots.

Spectators reportedly jeered at the players, including a world champion, who appeared to be deliberately sending their serves into net.

SOUNDBITE: Badminton fan Kristen Caspearsen Saying:

"Well, I think it's a shame that they do the sport like that, that they don't play like they should play. It's a shame for the sport and in my eyes they should be stopped or yeah, thrown out."

SOUNDBITE: Badminton fan Lawrence Nash Saying:

"The format allowed them to do it but I'm appalled that they wanted to play that way. But I'd like to know who gave them the instructions to play like that and if it was senior in their squads then maybe they should be kicked out."

The head of Indonesia's team says there was no specific order to throw the matches and called for an investigation into the matter.

SOUNDBITE: Erick Thohir, Head of the Indonesian Badminton Team saying:

"We come here not to lose medals, we want to have medals. But there is no direction from the Indonesian Badminton Association to tell the players to lose. I think to blame China is also not fair, I think the BWF (Badminton World Federation) should take a look at the history of the last tournaments before they make judgments. And also before judgments there should be investigations, maybe a warning first, or I don't know what.

While it isn't clear what will happen with the players in question, the scandal has left a bad taste in the mouths of fans.

SOUNDBITE: Badminton fan William Singleton Saying:

"It's not just to do with winning. It's to do with taking part and what the community gets out of it. Not just two athletes wanting to get gold or China wanting all the glory. It's a bit selfish; it's ruining the Olympic spirit. It's about taking part, it's ruining it."

Deborah Gembara, Reuters.