Smith is taking time out of the sport after winning silver at the Rio Games

Olympic silver medallist Louis Smith has been suspended for two months by British Gymnastics over a controversial video leaked online that showed him mocking Islam.

Footage, filmed by Smith but leaked to the media, showed him and fellow gymnast Luke Carson laughing whilst pretending to pray and shouting 'Allahu Akbar'. He has said that he has since received death threats.

British Gymnastics said it would investigate the incident and an independent panel has now found the 27-year-old from Peterborough guilty of a breach of the organisation's Standards of Conduct. Carson was given a reprimand.

Louis Smith's video shows his pal Luke Carson kneel on a rug to bow in mock worship to Allah

Smith, who has won four Olympic medals, including silver in the pommel horse at the 2016 Rio Games, last month posted a message on his official Twitter feed in which he apologised for the incident.

He 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.'

Smith won a silver medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro

Two-time Olympic silver-medalist Smith, 27, has been a longtime friend of Carson (right)

In a statement British Gymnastics said: '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.

LOUIS SMITH FACTFILE Age: 27 Born: Peterborough, Cambridgeshire Sport: Artistic gymnastics Olympic record: 2x siver medals (2012, 2016, both pommel horse), 2x bronze medals (2008 - pommel horse, 2012 - team) World championships: 3x silver medals, 2x bronze European championships: 1x gold medal, 6x silver medals Advertisement

'During Luke Carson's hearing, he admitted his behaviour was a breach of the rules as alleged. The Panel upheld the allegation and having taken into account that there have been no previous incidents, issued a reprimand that will remain on Luke's record for 2 years.'

Carson has also reportedly apologised for his part in the incident, although his tweets have since been made private.

Smith, who won the 2012 series of the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, 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's punishment comes as a blow to British Gymnastics during a time where it would have hoped to bask in the glory of its team's success in Rio last summer.

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 created headlines as he wept openly on the podium after losing out on a gold medal in the pommel horse by finishing second to Whitlock.

Smith won the 2012 series of the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing

He cried openly on the podium after being beaten to pommel horse gold by Max Whitlock

Smith embraces British team-mate Whitlock after they won gold and silver at Rio last summer

British Gymnastics chief executive Jane Allen 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 and refer this case to an independent panel for their review and determination.

'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.'