Egypt condemns athlete’s refusal to shake hands with Israeli opponent

The Egyptian Olympic Committee has condemned Islam El-Shehabi for refusing to shake hands with his Israeli opponent Ori Sassoon in the Rio de Janeiro games, 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.

El-Shehabi refused to shake hands after losing to the Israeli; this was jeered loudly by Israeli spectators. When Sassoon extended his hand, the Egyptian backed away, shaking his head.