Israeli Footballer Detained and Sacked in Turkey Over Alleged Support for Hamas
By Caroline Ameh
Antalyaspor’s Israeli footballer, Sagiv Jehezkel, has been detained and subsequently dismissed from the Turkish club following an incident during a top-flight league game. Jehezkel displayed solidarity with individuals held hostage by the Hamas militant organization, leading to swift action by both the club and Turkish authorities.
After scoring an equalizer against Trabzonspor in a home game, the 28-year-old Israeli player revealed a bandage around his wrist with an inscription marking the 100 days since the hostages were abducted on October 7.
This gesture was considered provocative in Turkey, where there is widespread public opposition to Israel’s military actions in Gaza and strong support for the Palestinians.
Antalyaspor promptly suspended Jehezkel from the team and is exploring the possibility of terminating his contract, while the Turkish Justice Minister, Yilmaz Tunc, announced an investigation into potential charges of “openly inciting the public to hatred and hostility.” Tunc accused Jehezkel of engaging in “an ugly gesture in support of the Israeli massacre in Gaza.”
The Turkish Football Federation condemned the gesture, stating that it “disturbed the conscience” of the Turkish public.
Jehezkel’s detention has stirred outrage in Israel, with former Prime Minister Naftali Bennet expressing his disapproval with a straightforward “Shame on you, Turkish government.”
The incident highlights the intersection of sports and political tensions, raising questions about the boundaries of expression for athletes in international competitions.
