MATT RICHARDSON was ruled out of the Commonwealth Games after being brutally wiped out during a race in Japan.

The cyclist, 27, was set to represent Team England after switching nationalities from Australia two years ago.

Matt Richardson was involved in a huge crash just days before being due to compete in the Commonwealth Games Credit: X

The cyclist was wiped out by Kento Suzuki Credit: X

But Richardson’s hopes of winning gold at the Commonwealth Games were cruelly ended while competing in the Keirin World Series.

Footage has emerged of the medal hopeful crashing to the floor after being slammed into by Kento Suzuki.

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The Japanese rider appeared to speed up before dropping his shoulder and tipping himself into Richardson.

The collision led to the Kent-born cyclist, who was in danger of being slapped with a two-year ban when he quit Australia, smacking against the floor after his bike slipped out from beneath him.

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Richardson, who bagged three medals at the 2024 Olympics, had medics rush to his aid.

And he was spotted lying on his side as the race ended on the next lap before leaving the outdoor velodrome in an ambulance.

Commentators and cycling fans hit out at Suzuki after his reckless move left Richardson in agony.

Australian journalist Matt White said: “Richardson is out of the Commonwealth Games in horrible fashion.

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Richardson was left in a heap following the shock collision Credit: X

“He is absolutely taken out. In motor racing terms, that’s T-boned. He has been taken out by a fellow competitor, which no one wants to see.

“That’s appalling, no matter what storyline you want to follow into this one. That’s an inch away from serious physical injury.”

Fellow Australian broadcaster Johanna Griggs added: “That in itself is disgraceful. That’s ugly, horrible and unnecessary.”

The severity of Richardson’s injuries have not been confirmed, but he was replaced by Harry Radford as Team England chase more medals at the Commonwealth Games.

Suzuki, who was disqualified from the Keirin World Series event, apologised for the takedown.

In a statement posted on social media, he said: “There’s no excuses, it’s simply down to my own lack of skill.

Richardson switched nationalities two years ago Credit: Alamy

The Kent-born racer represented Australia at the Olympics Credit: Alamy

“From this point onwards, I’ve changed my mindset. If it doesn’t work vertically, I’ll try horizontally – I just couldn’t help but move. I’m sorry.”

Richardson was planning to compete in the team sprint, keirin and the sprint at the Commonwealth Games.