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

9 years ago

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Islam El Shehaby

Egypt's Islam El Shehaby refused a handshake from Israel's Or Sasson during their men's 100kg+ judo contest match of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 12. (videograb from youtube)

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.

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