London: Louis Smith, a double Olympic silver medalist mocked Islam and ended up losing his sponsors. Smith is currently facing the threat of being suspended or even expelled by British Gymnastics after ‘mocking’ Islam in a leaked video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VMGA2QlE7I
Louis Smith drunkenly filmed a friend and fellow gymnast pretending to pray in an Islamic style at a wedding reception, whilst saying the Muslim phrase and war cry Allahu Akbar (meaning God is greatest). Despite issuing an apology yesterday, Mr. Smith has been facing gruesome consequences for the joke video.
Sports kit maker Milano Pro Sports, a former sponsor of Mr. Smith, distanced themselves from Mr. Smith.
“Whilst Louis Smith has appeared in brochures for us in the past we have no current relationship with him and have no plans to do so in the future,” the company told City A.M.
British Gymnastics have launched an investigation. “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 organization,” they said in an statement.
The Muslim leader of the council’s Labour group is pushing to block Mr. Smith from being given Freedom of the City. Counselor Mohammed Jamil has written to the panel that will make the decision, saying he has withdrawn his backing for the local hero.
“I’ve had people over the weekend saying they do not want someone who says things like that to have the freedom of Peterborough.There is anger. He is a role model to a lot of people. It’s stuff like that which gives the misconception of what Islam is,” Mr. Jamil told Peterborough Today