Louis Smith suspended by British Gymnastics for offending Islam

British Gymnastics have given Olympic medallist Louis Smith a two month suspension for breaching their code of conduct, after a video of him mocking Islamic prayer appeared in the media.

In a statement British Gymnastics said: "Formal disciplinary proceedings have been conducted with regard to a recent video which captured the behaviour of British Gymnastics members Louis Smith and Luke Carson, alleged to be a potential breach of the Standards of Conduct.

"Louis Smith admitted his behaviour was a breach of the Standards of Conduct. The Panel upheld the allegation and taking into account a previous breach of the Standards of Conduct heard in June this year (where it also was made clear to Louis the consequences of any further breach), the Panel determined a cumulative penalty was appropriate and ordered a two-month period of suspension."

Jane Allen, chief executive of British Gymnastics, said: "It is regrettable that following a historic summer of achievement, the organisation finds itself in this difficult position with two high-profile members in breach of our standards of conduct.

"As the custodians of the integrity and values of the sport, we have had no choice but to act responsibly.

"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."

The Standards of Conduct prohibit athletes from making "offensive" jokes or remarks.

The National Secular Society said of the decision: "It is appalling to see British Gymnastics enforcing Islamic blasphemy laws. If Smith has broken the Standards of Conduct then it is the standards which are at fault for chilling freedom of expression.

"No idea is above mockery or satire, and that includes Islam. Muslims need to accept that in a free society, as with everybody else, sometimes their ideas will be criticised or satirised."

Matthew Syed wrote in the Times in October that the Louis Smith video would "become a test case" for the "illiberal contracts that British Olympians are required to sign".

See also: The demonisation of Louis Smith: This is how a de facto blasphemy law works