Egyptian judoka, Islam El Shehaby has been sent home from the Olympics after he refused to shake the hand of Israeli opponent Or Sasson after their bout. The 34-year-old was "strongly reprimanded" by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) after his first-round loss on Friday. The IOC say his conduct was "against the spirit of friendship embodied in the Olympic values". The Egyptian Olympic Committee condemned El Shehaby and sent him home.
The athlete said he did not want to shake hands with an Israeli, nor was he obliged to do so under judo rules, but the IOC said his behavior went against the rules and spirit of the Olympic Games and the rules of fair play.
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, 32, 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. This is not the first time athletes from Arab nations or Iran refuse to compete with Israeli athletes in Olympics or other international competitions.
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