Checks on his Instagram page found that comments on his posts have been limited, though not before multiple Malaysian accounts left critical comments on various posts by Nakano.

Most of these users accused the Japanese cyclist of poor sportsmanship and acting unprofessionally, while a handful left more unsavoury comments.

“No wonder Japan (is) always hit by earthquakes,” said one user, while another warned Nakano: “Don’t make Malaysia colonise Japan in return.”

An apology for the crash was posted on a TikTok account bearing Nakano’s name but the authenticity of the account is in doubt. His last Instagram post was on Aug 1.

Earlier today, Shah Firdaus urged Malaysians to maintain the nation’s good name on the internet and not to let emotions drive them over sports incidents.

His brother, Ridwan, had also urged Malaysians to refrain from attacking the Japanese cyclist as anything could happen in keirin events.

However, several people rejected Ridwan’s call, saying Shah Firdaus deserved justice as Malaysia could have won the bronze medal in the event if not for the crash.