Olympic star Louis Smith may face British Gymnastics suspension for video appearing to mock Islam

So you have to love Islam to be on the British Gymnastics team now? If Louis Smith had mocked Christianity, would he be facing suspension now? Why do Louis Smith’s opinions about Islam have anything to do with gymnastics at all?

Britain is finished.

“Olympic star Louis Smith may face British Gymnastics suspension after video of him appearing to mock Islam,” Daily Mail, October 10, 2016:

Olympic silver medallist Louis Smith could face suspension from the British Gymnastics programme after a controversial video which was leaked online.

Footage shows Smith and fellow gymnast Luke Carson appearing to mock Islam by laughing whilst pretending to pray and shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’.

British Gymnastics said it would investigate the incident and that the 27-year-old Smith and Carson, who retired last year, could face disciplinary action.

The governing body said: ‘British Gymnastics does not condone the mocking of any faith or religion and is appalled by such behaviours.

‘Gymnastics is an inclusive sport and we are proud of members who portray the inclusive values of British Gymnastics.

‘Members who break our code of conduct can face suspension or expulsion from our organisation. We will be investigating the behaviours reported.’

British gymnastics is enjoying an unprecedented surge in popularity after returning from Rio 2016 with seven medals including two historic golds for Smith’s team-mate and rival Max Whitlock.

Smith indicated in the wake of his silver medal win in Rio that he was planning to take at least a year out of the sport in order to pursue other ventures.

Smith subsequently posted a message on his official Twitter feed in which he apologised for the incident.

Smith wrote: ‘I am deeply sorry for the recent video you may have seen.

‘I am not defending myself, what I did was wrong. I want to say sorry for the deep offense (sic) I have caused and to my family who have also been affected by my thoughtless actions.

‘I recognise the severity of my mistake and hope it can be used as an example of how important it is to respect others at all times.

‘I have learnt a valuable life lesson and I wholeheartedly apologise.’…