Egyptian Judoka Refuses To Shake Israeli Opponent's Hand

Get the Full StorySportsmanship took a backseat to political acrimony in Rio de Janeiro on Friday as Egyptian Olympic judo fighter Islam El Shehaby refused to shake the hand of his opponent Or Sasson, who is Israeli.

Sasson defeated El Shehaby and then extended a hand, as is customary in judo. Judokas are expected to either shake hands or bow at the beginning and end of matches.

El Shehaby instead backed away, shaking his head. The referee then called him back to the mat to bow. He gave a brief nod and walked off.

The crowed booed loudly.

It was an “unacceptable” and “unfortunate” move, International Olympic Committee spokesman Mark Adams said.

via GIPHY

But despite the hiccup, the fact that an Egyptian and an Israeli even competed against each other is a hopeful sign, the International Judo Federation told The Associated Press.

“This is already a big improvement that Arabic countries accept to fight Israel,” spokesman Nicolas Messner said in an email. El Shehaby’s attitude “will be reviewed after the games to see if any further action should be taken.”

This isn’t the first anti-Israel incident on display at this year’s Olympic Games. Israeli and Lebanese athletes were meant to take the same bus to the opening ceremony last week, but the Lebanese head of mission barred the Israelis from boarding, forcing them to take a different bus.

For more Olympics coverage:

Fiji Wins First Ever Olympic Gold, Immediately Declares Public Holiday

U.S. Olympic Star Shoots Down Gun Control

Disappointed North Korean Says He Is ‘Not A Hero’ For Winning Silver

Sara Ahmed Becomes First Arab Woman To Win Olympic Medal In Weightlifting

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