RIO DE JANEIRO — Egyptian judoka Islam El Shehaby caused controversy after his first-round Olympics loss to Israel’s fifth-ranked Or Sasson on Friday, when he refused to shake his hand, in a major breach of judo etiquette.

Sasson defeated El Shehaby with two throws for an automatic victory, with about a minute and a half remaining in the bout.

Afterwards, El Shehaby lay flat on his back for a moment before standing to take his place before Sasson, in front of the referee. 

When Sasson extended his hand, El Shehaby backed away, shaking his head. The crowd could be heard booing him afterwards.

Judo players always bow or shake each other’s hands before and after the match as a sign of respect in the Japanese martial art.

El Shehaby had come under pressure in Egypt to withdraw entirely from the fight.

El Shehaby refused to comment, as did Sasson, who moved to the semifinals later Friday to face top-ranked Teddy Riner of France.

Ofir Gendelman, Arabic language spokesman for the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, called the incident “shocking.” 

In a Twitter post, he said it “goes against the spirit of Rio 2016,” writing in Arabic said that “sports are not the field for politics and extremism.”

The International Judo Federation called it a sign a progress that the fight even took place between the two athletes.

“This is already a big improvement that Arabic countries accept to (fight) Israel,” spokesman Nicolas Messner said in an email. 

The competitors were under no obligation to shake hands, but a bow is mandatory, he added

The move is the latest diss for Israel at the Olympics in Rio. Earlier this week, the Lebanese Olympic team refused to share a bus with the Israeli team, reminding the world that tensions have not diminished in the region.