Israeli llayer Sagiv Jehezkel faces backlash and legal action after Gaza tribute.
Israeli national team forward Sagiv Jehezkel was arrested and interrogated by Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunç after celebrating a goal with a tribute to Hamas hostages in the Gaza Strip for 100 days. Tunç announced an investigation against Jehezkel, and local media reports that he has already been taken in for police questioning. The Turkish Football Federation also condemned Jehezkel and stated that it will initiate disciplinary proceedings against him. The player is expected to return to Israel soon, with official Israeli sources in contact with him.
After scoring the equalizer for Antalyaspor in a 1-1 draw against Trabzonspor, Jehezkel made a half-heart sign with “100 days” written on his arm. His team deleted the posts, and Antalyaspor announced they were suspending him from all activities. Club president Sinan Boztepe told Turkish media that Jehezkel’s time on the team was over, and his contract with the team would be terminated.
Türkiye Süper Ligi'nde oynanan bir maçta İsrail ile dayanışma mesajı verildi.
— Halid Abdurrahman (@halidabdurrhman) January 14, 2024
Antalyaspor'un İsrailli futbolcusu Sagiv Jehezkel attığı golün ardından bileğinde yazan mesajı gösterdi.
Mesajda "7 Ekim saldırısının 100'üncü günü" ifadesi ve bir Siyon yıldızı yer alıyor. pic.twitter.com/1KJMtkWDjr
Reactions called for Jehezkel to be kicked out of the team, but some Turkish fans wrote that Jehezkel has the right to express solidarity with Israel, just as there are soccer players who show their support for the Palestinians. The Turkish Football Federation held a minute’s silence to commemorate Palestinian citizens who lost their lives due to the Israeli attack two weeks after the war began.