Olympics

Egyptian judo athlete sent home after refusing to shake Israeli's hand

Olympic officials say an Egyptian judo athlete has been reprimanded and sent home after refusing to shake his Israeli opponent's hand.

IOC calls conduct 'against the spirit of friendship embodied in the Olympic values'

Egypt's Islam El Shehaby, in blue, declines to shake hands with Israel's Or Sasson after losing their men's judo match. (Markus Schreiber/Associated Press)

Olympic officials say an Egyptian judo athlete has been reprimanded and sent home after refusing to shake his Israeli opponent's hand.

The International Olympic Committee says Islam El Shehaby received a "severe reprimand" for his behaviour following his first-round heavyweight bout loss to Or Sasson on Friday.

When Sasson extended his hand, El Shehaby backed away, shaking his head. The referee called the 34-year-old El Shehaby back to the mat and obliged to him to bow; he gave a quick nod and was loudly booed as he exited.

The IOC says the Egyptian's conduct "was contrary to the rules of fair play and against the spirit of friendship embodied in the Olympic values."

The IOC says the Egyptian Olympic Committee also "strongly condemned" El Shehaby's actions "and has sent him home."