Israel footballer in Turkey facing sack for hostage plea
Israeli footballer Sagiv Jehezkel is at the centre of controversy in Turkey after he displayed solidarity with hostages taken in the October 7 Hamas attacks during a goal celebration. Jehezkel raised a bandaged hand that read “100 days. 7/10.”
The footballer plays for the Turkish team Antalyaspor.
Turkey accused Jehezkel of supporting “Israel’s massacre in Gaza.” However, the player insists he is not “pro-war,” while Israel accuses Turkey of hypocrisy.
Jehezkel was briefly detained and released pending trial on charges of “publicly inciting the public to hatred and hostility.” Turkey’s Minister of Justice, Yilmaz Tunc, stated that the investigation was initiated due to the player’s “ugly action supporting Israel’s massacre in Gaza.”
Facing both legal troubles and consequences from his club, Jehezkel has been suspended by Antalyaspor. The Turkish Football Federation labelled his actions “unacceptable,” supporting the club’s decision.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, known for his pro-Palestinian stance, has criticised Israel’s actions in Gaza. Pro-Palestinian rallies have been widespread in Turkey since the October attacks.
Jehezkel, defending his gesture, emphasised that he aimed to express a desire for the war to end.
As tensions rise, Israel’s officials, including Defence Minister Yadav Gallant and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, have criticised Turkey’s handling of the situation. The controversy has also prompted the withdrawal threat of Antalyaspor’s main shirt sponsor, Caglayan Group, if Jehezkel’s contract is not terminated.