The Egyptian Olympic Committee has condemned Egyptian judo competitor, Islam El-Shehabi, for refusing to shake hands with his Israeli opponent, Ori Sassoon, at the Rio Olympics, Anadolu reported on Friday.
In a statement issued to explain the situation, the Committee said that El-Shehabi was “alerted before the match to abide by all the rules and to have a sporting spirit during his match with the Israeli athlete.” His refusal to shake hands was, it insisted, a “personal” act.
Egypt's Islam El Shehaby refused to shake hands with opponent, Israel's Or Sasson, after Olympic judo bout. https://t.co/35uVs6SqPk #9News
— Nine News Australia (@9NewsAUS) August 12, 2016
El-Shehabi refused to shake hands after a match in which the Israeli competitor won; this was jeered loudly by Israeli spectators.
This is not the first instance wherein political views against Israel have been noted. The Lebanese team refused to ride in a bus with Israeli athletes on the night of the opening ceremony.
(PC, MEMO)
