An Algerian judo competitor has withdrawn from the Tokyo Olympics after learning he could have faced an Israeli opponent.
Fethi Nourine said his political support for the Palestinian cause made it impossible to compete against Tohar Butbul."We worked a lot to reach theThe 30-year-old was drawn against Sudan's Mohamed Asdalrasool on Monday for his first match in the men's 73kg class. If he had won that match, he would have faced Butbul, who has a first-round bye, in the next round.At the time, his coach Amar Ben Yaklif was quoted in Algerian media saying:"We were unlucky with the draw.
Nonsense. If you really felt so raw you should have whooped that behind. Sounds like he was just scared of the possibility that he might lose to someone from Israel. He's big he's bad but he won't fight someone that he disagrees with? I feel like that's 90% of the reason to fight
He is shite, been beaten in past by Israeli, would have got beaten again, simples, no other reason, did a judoka in his pants💩
Coward jajaja
Nothing like mixing a bit of sport and politics together… probably withdrew as was going to get a right proper spanking…
The level of intelligence on this post really worries me
Perspective is everything here, most of the commenters are unaware of the political and social nuances of this decision. Don't judge unless you understand. Even then, don't judge.
Yeah, f*** apartheid ‼️
Sad situation yet inescapable
Scared he would get his arse kicked
Afraid of loosing!
I'm sure he won't be missed.
Off home you trot then.... hopefully he will revieve a lifetime ban.
Good riddance.
Should have taken the opportunity to beat his opponent for the gold.
Ban him for life, no room for sports for any fucking politics
In 1962 in response to South Africa's policy of apartheid, the country was barred from the Olympic Games. Israel should be barred as well.
Probably realised the Israeli would batter him
Only few years ago, when apartheid was rife in South Africa, many World athletes and artists withdraw from competing or working in South Africa.
Chicken
Is he worried about losing?
Soft get
Seriously
So basically he's racist let's just be honest
Ez medal for israel then
It’s no wonder really .. if he lost to Israel . It would be turned into propaganda from Hamas / Palestinians . 😂🇬🇧🇮🇱
Posh for bottled it
🔔end
Racism & antisemitism. The true spirit of the olympics(!)
Coward
Errm shouldn’t that motivate him more. 🤦♂️
So much for the spirit of the games. Good riddance.
Won't be the last political gesture that's made at these games
🤣🤣🤣
Any competitor /sports person who is unable to leave his political issues at home, should not be participating. It is Sport!!!
You're facing tough competition from an Israeli and fear you gonna lose? No problems: say you support 'Palestine' (what is that anyway) and you found your way out. So simple everyone should do it - and don't even show up.
Coward
Yeah sure 🤡
Seems he wanted to be seen and create headlines , guess he did that
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Source: BBCNews - 🏆 3. / 97 Read more »
Source: The Mirror - 🏆 136. / 51 Read more »
Source: The Independent - 🏆 80. / 59 Read more »
Source: The Independent - 🏆 80. / 59 Read more »
Source: The Independent - 🏆 80. / 59 Read more »
Source: SkyNews - 🏆 35. / 67 Read more »