Spanish broadcaster RTVE has issued an apology after its commentators allegedly failed to introduce Israeli hurdler Omri Shiff during the European Athletics Championships held in Birmingham, England.
The incident occurred during the live coverage of a hurdling event where the anchors were introducing each athlete and their country of representation. According to reports, when the camera focused on Shiff, the anchors appeared to divert their attention, averting their gaze to another participant. Introductions resumed for the rest of the athletes, but Shiff was reportedly not acknowledged.
Witnesses noted a pause in the commentary during the segment featuring Shiff, followed by a brief exchange between the anchors, with one appearing to laugh before continuing with the introductions. Similar omissions were not reported for other athletes.
RTVE released a statement to The Jewish Chronicle apologizing for the oversight. The broadcaster stated, "We sincerely regret not having named all the athletes who appeared on screen during the broadcasts on Teledeporte [sports channel], as happened in the case of the Israeli athlete Omar Shiff." The statement attributed the incident to "the complexity of the long athletics sessions and the dynamics of live broadcasting – such as trackside commentary or production requirements" and asserted that it was "in no way related to political, ideological or religious reasons."
"Our commitment is to give visibility to every participant, and we work to achieve this in every broadcast. We reiterate our apology to the athlete affected," RTVE added.
StopAntisemitism founder Liona Rez had previously called for the broadcaster to be fired over the incident, telling Fox News Digital that such actions were unacceptable.