Swimming’s governing body has taken action against Mack Horton after his podium protest at the world titles.

Both Horton and Swimming Australia have been served with an official warning from FINA, the world’s governing body of swimming.

It comes after the 23-year-old refused to take the podium when he finished second in the 400-metre freestyle event at the world titles.

He was protesting against the winner, convicted drug cheat Sun Yang, who is facing an appeal after escaping sanction for smashing a doping sample.

The two swimmers are expected to go head-to-head again this week in the 800-metre freestyle final.

Podium protest: Mack Horton’s dad reveals his son’s ‘only regret’

Alan Jones says the decision by FINA and the actions by Chinese fans are disgraceful.

“They’re going after him of course and there are people attacking him, simply because he’s been a lone voice in relation to drug cheats.

“He’s now under siege and all sorts of terrible things said about him on social media.

“FINA are going to send him a letter because the young man stood by his beliefs.”

Click PLAY below to hear Alan’s comments in full

Yesterday, Horton’s father Andrew told 2GB’s Ben Fordham there’s only one reason his son feels bad about the protest.

“His only regret over the last 24 hours… is he actually might have taken some of the attention away from one of the greatest swims ever, which was Ariarne Titmus in the 400.”

Click PLAY to hear the full interview

Image: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images