Faizel Patel, 2016-08-16
An Egyptian judoka has been sent home from the Rio Olympics after refusing to shake the hand of Israeli competitor following the end of their bout.
Islam El Shehaby who was sent home by his own team, lost the fight against Or Sasson on Friday and was reprimanded by the IOC for his actions.
The athlete says he did not want to shake hands with an Israeli, nor was he obliged to do so under judo rules, but the IOC says his behavior went against the rules and spirit of the Olympic Games and the rules of fair play.
In a statement the IOC says the President of the National Olympic Committee it respects all athletes and all nations at the Olympic Games.
After Sasson defeated El Shehaby and the pair retook their places in front of the referee, the Egyptian backed away when Sasson bowed and approached him to shake hands.
When called back by the referee to bow, El Shehaby gave a quick nod before walking off amid loud boos from the crowd.
El Shehaby had reportedly been pressured by fans on social media not to show up for the match with his Israeli opponent, who went on to win bronze in the +100kg category, because it would shame Islam.
– Reuters
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