A gesture by Israeli runner Ido Peretz at the European U20 Athletics Championships on Monday in Finland sparked an unexpected controversy in Spain.
During preparations for the 4x100 meter relay, Peretz was seen making a “throating-slitting” motion toward the camera with the relay baton. Spanish media linked the gesture to the war in Gaza, drawing criticism of local television commentator Ernest Ribars.
The video circulated widely on social media. Marca reported that Ribars “did not address the moment” during the broadcast. On Tuesday night, Ribars apologized, saying in a post that he had been focused on his notes and missed the gesture. “I wish I had noticed this, which I view as a violent and offensive gesture, and then I could have expressed the outrage it evokes in me. It is reprehensible, and I apologize for not condemning it live,” he wrote.
The Israeli Athletics Association said that immediately after the relay, a conversation took place between Peretz and delegation head Itai Magidi, who told the athlete the gesture was unacceptable. Peretz explained that the motion was purely sporting—intended to “dominate the track”—and expressed regret for anyone offended by its interpretation.
“The Athletics Association will always condemn all forms of violence and expects every athlete representing Israel to behave appropriately and respectfully,” the statement said. A disciplinary meeting between the association’s CEO, Hanoch Chai Cohen, and Peretz is scheduled for later this week.