An Israeli footballer has reportedly been arrested in Turkey after showing support for Israel’s hostages during a match.
Sagiv Jehezkel was playing for Turkish side Antalyaspor when he scored against Trabzonspor.
He celebrated the goal by showing the message “100 days. 07/10” on a bandage on his left wrist.
This was referring to the more than 130 Israeli hostages that remain in Gaza following Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack.
He later said he “did not intend to provoke anyone” with his actions.
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Turkey’s justice minister announced an investigation into the player for suspected “incitement to hate.”
Yilmaz Tunc posted online: “The Antalya public prosecutor’s office has opened a judicial investigation against Israeli footballer Sagiv Jehezkel for public incitement to hate due to his odious celebration in favour of the massacre committed by Israel in Gaza.”
He added that Turkey will “continue to support the oppressed Palestinians” who he said are being subjected to “genocide”.
Israel’s heavy bombardment since October 7 has killed more than 23,000 Palestinians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip.
Antalyaspor said it had sacked the Israeli player because he “acted against the values of our country”.
The Turkish government, led by President Recep Erdogan, has been highly critical of Israel’s military response in Gaza while also throwing its support behind Hamas.
On New Year’s Day, thousands of Turks took to the streets and chanted “Murderer Israel, get out of Palestine”.
Erdogan also said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policy in Gaza “is not any less than what Hitler did”.
Netanyahu hit back, saying: “Erdogan, who commits genocide against the Kurds, who holds a world record for imprisoning journalists who oppose his rule, is the last person who can preach morality to us.”
Following the arrest of Jehezkel, Israel’s Defence Minister has accused Turkey of being ungrateful for aid that has been sent from Israel to the country in the past.
Yoav Gallant posted on X: “When there was an earthquake in Turkey less than a year ago, Israel was the first country to stand up and extend aid that saved the lives of many Turkish citizens.
“The scandalous arrest of the soccer player Sagiv Jehezkel is an expression of hypocrisy and ingratitude. Through its actions, Turkey serves as the executive arm of Hamas.”
