Swiss fencers issue statement after turning back on Israel flag and anthem during medal ceremony

Swiss Fencing and its under-23 team have issued a statement after four fencers turned their backs on the Israeli team while the nation’s national anthem was being played on Saturday.

The incident occurred after the Swiss men's team lost 45-29 against Israel in the final of the European Fencing U-23 Championships in Tallinn, Estonia, on April 26.

Both teams and third-place Italy were on the podium for the medal ceremony when the Swiss team - Jonathan Furhimann, Ian Hauri, Sven Vineis and Theo Brochard – did not turn left to face the flag of the winning team while the Israeli anthem was being played.

However, the four Swiss team members issued a statement on Instagram on Monday (April 28).

“We wish to explain our actions and express our regret,” read the statement, which also stated that they did not reflect “any contempt for Israel.”

The quartet also expressed their “sadness and empathy for the great human suffering of the civilian population” affected by the Israel-Palestine conflict, which is currently ongoing.

“We apologise to everyone whose feelings we have hurt – especially our opponents from the Israeli fencing team and the Israeli Fencing Federation,” they added.

On Sunday (April 27), Swiss Fencing issued a statement, which read: “Swiss Fencing does not understand why its team used the awards ceremony as a political gesture. It should be noted, however, that our athletes sportingly congratulated the Israeli winners after the final.

“For Swiss Fencing, sporting competitions should not lend themselves to the expression of political opinions, even though athletes can of course have their own personal opinions on world events.

“Upon the return of the Estonian team, Swiss Fencing will initiate dialogue with the under-23 fencers and then decide on any further action to be taken.

“We deeply regret that this behaviour hurt the feelings of the Israeli delegation and belittled the sporting success of the Swiss team, which won three medals at these Under-23 European Championships. We congratulate the Israeli team on its gold medal in the team competition.”

Swiss fencers turned their backs during the Israeli anthem (Credit:MiddleEastEye)

The organisation added: “As a matter of principle, Swiss Fencing is of the opinion that sporting competitions are not suitable for the expression of political opinions, even if athletes are of course allowed to have their own personal viewpoint on current world affairs.”

Their apology came after Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed outrage about the incident on X.

“Shame on the Swiss team for their disrespectful behaviour,” he wrote Saturday evening.

“You don’t know how to lose and behaved in a manner which is an embarrassment to you and the country you’re supposed to represent.”