Israeli Footballer Deported from Turkey Over Hate Message
The Turkish football body condemned Jehezkel's behavior as "completely unacceptable," initiating a disciplinary investigation.
Antalyaspor Club has suspended Israeli player Sagiv Jehezkel for his behavior after scoring a goal against Trabzonspor. Photo by Anadolu Images.
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n a dramatic turn of events, Sagiv Jehezkel, an Israeli football player in Turkey, faced arrest, subsequent release and a deportation over a goal celebration during a match on Sunday. The incident has fueled tensions, bringing attention to the ongoing Gaza genocide and prompting a legal investigation.
Jehezkel, a winger for Antalyaspor, scored a goal against Trabzonspor on January 14, and displayed a message, “100 days. 07/10,” during his celebration. The message was interpreted as glorifying Israel’s attacks on Gaza, leading to public outrage.
The 28-year-old footballer was swiftly excluded from the squad, and he later faced an investigation initiated by the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office on charges of “inciting the public to hatred and hostility.”
Terminating Jehezkel’s contract
After a health check, Jehezkel was taken to court and subsequently released, pending trial. The Turkish Süper Lig club’s deputy president and spokesperson, Evren Alkan, stated that Antalyaspor’s lawyers are working to terminate Jehezkel’s contract.
Jehezkel’s goal celebration, which included raising his bandaged hand with a message referencing the attack by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas on October 7 and 100 days of the Israeli onslaught on Gaza, sparked controversy. The bandage featured a Star of David, symbolizing the Jewish identity.
In his statement to the police, Jehezkel apologized for his celebration, expressing the intention to draw attention to the ongoing conflict and a desire for peace. He expressed regret for any unintended provocations and stated that he did not anticipate such a strong reaction.
The incident has wider implications beyond the football pitch, with Jehezkel’s actions drawing attention to the broader Gaza genocide. The Turkish Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç announced a judicial investigation against Jehezkel, labeling his action as “supporting Israel’s massacre in Gaza.”
Completely unacceptable
The Turkish football body condemned Jehezkel’s behavior as “completely unacceptable,” initiating a disciplinary investigation. The incident highlights the sensitive nature of geopolitical issues spilling into sports, impacting international relations.
In a parallel situation, another Israeli footballer in Turkey, Eden Karzev of Başakşehir, faces a disciplinary investigation for a pro-Israel social media post related to the Gaza genocide. Başakşehir has demanded a written defense, citing a violation of the club’s disciplinary regulations and sensitivity to Turkey’s sentiments.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the incident underscores the challenges of navigating sensitive geopolitical issues within the realm of sports, prompting debates on freedom of expression, sportsmanship, and the complexities of international relations.
Source: Anadolu Agency.
