Olympics viewers slam Louis Smith for not shaking teammate Max Whitlock’s hand after pommel win
VIEWERS have slammed gymnast Louis Smith's 'unsportsmanlike' conduct after the Rio Olympics' pommel horse final.
Max Whitlock scooped his second gold medal in two hours after winning the gymnastics floor event. This took his medal tally to three after bagging bronze in the all-round event on Wednesday.
Louis was very emotional after the event and appeared gutted after losing out to his teammate.
The gymnast seemed to mutter "that's bulls***" while hugging Alexander Naddour, the American bronze medallist, after they found out that they had been bumped down to second and third.
Louis and Max then went on to shake hands with their other competitors - but appeared to be distant with each other.
After an emotional medal ceremony, which saw Louis tear up, the pair did hug.
When asked about losing to his teammate again, he said: "I would rather lose to Max than anyone else, the gold is coming back to Britain."
"I have always been playing catch up to Max since I have come back but it's great for the sport. Max has held his nerve under pressure...Max deserved to win today."
But many viewers slammed Louis Smith for being a "bad loser".
One Twitter user wrote: "Did Louis Smith actually just ignore his own team mate?? Jealous jealous man".
Another commented: "Can't believe Louis smith stood with the American and high fived him and not once he even looked at the winner very poor show."
While one user remarked: "Would have been nice to see Louis Smith congratulate his British teammate on a great achievement. Graciousness in defeat is key in sports."
Some did, however, defend the gymnast.
One viewer wrote: "Feel a bit sorry for Louis Smith you could see how much he wanted that. People calling him sour, nothing wrong with passion."