An Egyptian judo athlete who caused a stir when he refused to shake his Israeli opponent's hand has been reprimanded and sent home. 

Islam El Shehaby's refusal to shake opponent Or Sasson's hand drew boos from the Rio Olympics crowd last week and led to debate about the role of politics in sport.

His unsportsmanlike gesture prompted the International Olympic Committee to open a disciplinary commission, with IOC spokesman Mark Adams telling the press "we believe that the Olympic spirit should be about building bridges, never about erecting walls."

El Shehaby, who lost the fight against Sasson, has now been sent home by his own Olympic delegation. According to reports, the 34-year-old fighter had come under pressure from conservative leaders in Egypt to refuse to fight Sasson. 

Egypt was the first Arab country to make peace with Israel back in 1979, but the treaty remains unpopular with many Egyptians.

Sasson (left) and El Shehaby (right) during their fight. Photo: Reuters