Egyptian athlete refuses to shake Israeli opponent's hand

Egyptian judo fighter Islam El Shehaby refused to shake hands with his opponent, Israel&#039;s Or Sasson, following the match, underscoring tensions between the two countries.

(Image credit: Elsa/Getty Images)

published 12 August 2016

An Egyptian Olympic athlete was booed in Rio on Friday after he refused to shake his Israeli opponent's hand following a judo match. After Or Sasson of Israel defeated Islam El Shehaby of Egypt, Sasson offered his hand, as is customary in judo. El Shehaby responded by shaking his head and backing away.

Because it's common etiquette in judo for opponents to bow or shake hands both before and after a match, the referee urged El Shehaby to go back out for a handshake. Even then, all El Shehaby would offer his Israeli opponent was a brief nod.

"That is extremely rare in judo," American judo coach Jimmy Pedro told The New York Times. "It is especially disrespectful considering it was a clean throw and a fair match. It was completely dishonorable and totally unsportsmanlike on the part of the Egyptian." An International Judo Federation spokesman told The Associated Press that El Shehaby's "attitude will be reviewed after the Games to see if any further action should be taken."