Rio Olympics 2016: Egypt send home shamed judo loser Islam El Shehaby who refused to shake Israeli victor’s hand
EGYPT have booted one of their own stars out of the Rio 2016 Olympics after he refused to shake the hand of an Israeli opponent.
Heavyweight judoka Islam El Shehaby lost on Friday to Or Sasson but was blocked from hanging around for the closing ceremony and sent straight home in disgrace.
The 32-year-old was also reprimanded by the International Olympic Committee who said his behaviour went against the rules and spirit of the Olympic Games and the rules of fair play.
In judo it is tradition to bow to opponents - a sign of respect from the sports birthplace, Japan - and shake hands after a bout.
However, El Shehaby said he did not want to shake hands with an Israeli for ‘personal reasons’, nor was he obliged to do so under judo rules.
El Shehaby, an ultra-conservative Salafi Muslim, had faced pressure on social media and from Islamist groups to withdraw from the fight all together because it would allegedly shame Islam.
But he went ahead with the bout and was schooled by the superior athlete before trying to skulk off and not recognise his victor.
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After Sasson won, the pair retook their places in front of the referee but the Egyptian tried to slope off when Sasson bowed and approached him to shake hands.
When called back to bow, El Shehaby gave a pathetic nod before walking off to a chorus of loud boos from the crowd.
The defeated Egyptian said afterwards: “Shaking the hand of your opponent is not an obligation written in the judo rules. It happens between friends and he's not my friend.
“I have no problem with Jewish people or any other religion or different beliefs.
“But for personal reasons, you can't ask me to shake the hand of anyone from this State, especially in front of the whole world.”
Sasson confirmed his coaches had warned him his hand might be refused but took the higher ground once again when saying he respected his rival’s right to make the decision.
An embarrassed IOC spokesman said: “The Disciplinary Commission considered that his behaviour at the end of the competition was contrary to the rules of fair play and against the spirit of friendship embodied in the Olympic Values.
“The DC issued a severe reprimand for inappropriate behaviour to the athlete. It noted the shaking of hands after a match is not in the competition rules of the International Judo Federation.
“As well as a severe reprimand, the DC has asked the Egyptian Olympic Committee to ensure in future that all their athletes receive proper education on the Olympic Values before coming to the Olympic Games.”