Louis Smith during London Olympic Games on July 30, 2012. PHOTO: AFP
British Olympic gymnast Louis Smith has apologised after a video footage emerged of him appearing to mock Islam.
The clip, which was published by The Sun over the weekend, shows Smith, along with fellow gymnast Luke Carson, saying “Allahu Akbar” and pretending to pray.
The 27-year-old Brit said he was “deeply sorry” for his behaviour after the video went viral.
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“I am deeply sorry for the recent video you may have seen,” he said. “I recognise the severity of my mistake and hope it can be used an example of how important it is to respect others at all times.”
An apology from me pic.twitter.com/Fns7tsKD96
— Louis Smith MBE (@louissmith1989) October 9, 2016
British Gymnastics said it will be investigating the incident, which is reported to have taken place at the wedding of gymnast Dan Keatings at the Kettering Park Hotel in Northamptonshire.
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“We would like to make our position known with regards to media reports involving Louis Smith and Luke Carson,” the organisation said in a statement.
British Gymnastics has issued a statement regarding the reported behaviours of Louis Smith & Luke Carson - https://t.co/ZmyWwN3Hnk
— British Gymnastics (@BritGymnastics) October 9, 2016
“British Gymnastics does not condone the mocking of any faith or religion and is appalled by such behaviours, the statement said. “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.”
Smith won a silver medal on the pommel horse in the recent Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
This article originally appeared on The Telegraph
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