Israeli footballer to be sent home after getting released from Turkish detention

Israeli footballer Sagiv Jehezkel has been charged and detained for his remarks on the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel. He is playing for the Turkey-based club, Antalyaspor. For the unversed, he wrote  “100 Days 7.10” next to a Star of David on his wrists. The 100-day remark was about Hamas’ attack on Israel. On October 7 last year, the infamous terrorist group attacked civilians during a music festival.

On the 100th day of the unfortunate incident, Sagiv displayed the message and was detained by the Turkish police and authorities. Notably, due to their strained political relations, Turkey’s government has never been empathetic to Israel. This is the reason he was charged for “openly inciting the public to hatred and hostility.” As per the latest update, Sagiv has been released from detention. His club Antalyaspor has suspended the player and there are talks about a termination of his contract. On the other hand, the player is expected to return to his country with his family.

Sagiv Jehezkel has claimed that he just wants the war to end. “I have never engaged in anything related to politics since my arrival. I have never disrespected anyone since the day I arrived. The point I wanted to draw attention to was [the need] for an end of the war,” Turkish Agency DHA reports what the player told the Police.

Jehezkel was arrested in Antalya, several Turkish news outlets reported late Sunday.

“A judicial investigation has been initiated by Antalya Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office against Israeli football player Sagiv Jehezkel for ‘inciting people to hatred and hostility’ due to his ugly gesture supporting Israel’s massacre in Gaza after scoring a goal in the Antalyaspor-Trabzonspor Super Lig match,” Tunc wrote on social media platform X.