An Israeli footballer is expected to face faces prosecution in Turkey and an outright sack by his club for showing solidarity with hostages taken in the 7 October Hamas attacks during a goal celebration.
Sagiv Jehezkel, a player for Antalyaspor, held up a bandaged hand that read “100 days. 7/10”.
The attacks triggered Israel’s bombardment of Gaza which has left tens of thousands dead.
Turkey accused the footballer of supporting “Israel’s massacre in Gaza”.
He was detained before being released pending trial on Monday – he is being
investigated for “inciting the public to hatred and hostility”.
Turkey’s Minister of Justice Yilmaz Tunc said an investigation had been launched due to the player’s “ugly action supporting Israel’s massacre in Gaza”.
Jehezkel has also been suspended by Antalyaspor, and Israel’s Foreign Minister said he is expected to fly home later on Monday.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has long been a staunch supporter of the Palestinians, including Hamas, and has been highly critical of Israel’s conduct in Gaza.
The country has also seen large pro-Palestinian rallies since 7 October.
The Turkish Football Federation described Jehezkel’s actions as “unacceptable”, and said the decision by Antalyaspor to exclude him from the squad was “appropriate”.
