IQNA

Olympic Gymnast Banned from Sport After Mocking Islam

9:34 - November 02, 2016
News ID: 3461312
TEHRAN (IQNA) – Olympic medalist Louis Smith was given a two-month ban by British Gymnastics for appearing to mock Islam.

Olympic Gymnast Banned from Sport After Mocking Islam

British Gymnastics said in a statement that Louis Smith and his former teammate Luke Carson were found to have breached the sport’s standards of conduct in a formal disciplinary proceeding.

Smith and Carson were drunkenly filmed pretending to pray in an Islamic style at a friend’s wedding reception, whilst saying the Muslim phrase "Allahu Akbar” (God is greatest).

The video sparked outrage when it was leaked to the press last month. Smith swiftly issued a groveling apology and missed Britain’s Olympic homecoming parade to visit multiple mosques so he could "educate” himself about Islam.

In a statement posted to his official Facebook page, he told his fans: "So today I visited 2 mosques in London that I was invited to. I accepted the offer to learn more about the Muslim community and Islam…

"The people and the community where [sic] so understanding and inviting”.

However, British Gymnastics Chief Executive, Jane Allen, was not convinced. She commented:

"Whilst both individuals showed remorse following the incident, we hope in the future they use their profile to have a positive impact on sport and communities.”

Smith won a bronze medal and a silver medal on the pommel horse at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics respectively.

Source: The Daily Star

 

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