Egyptian fans launched a shaming campaign against World Cup referee François Letexier following Egypt's loss to Argentina, editing his Wikipedia page to falsely claim he is Jewish in an effort to delegitimize his decisions. The move sparked widespread online backlash from users who condemned the antisemitic conspiracy theories.
Egyptian football fans launched a coordinated online harassment campaign against World Cup referee François Letexier following Egypt's 3-2 extra-time loss to Argentina.
According to a report, fans edited the referee's Wikipedia entry to falsely claim he is Jewish, a move intended to discredit his officiating decisions. The post also included quotes from the ensuing backlash. "This kind of idiocy kills the Middle East," one user wrote. "This is why their countries are poor and backward." Another added, "As an Arab who lived with Egyptians and visited their country, I can easily say they are the most hated people on earth. They breathe hatred of Jews."
The incident adds to a pattern of vitriolic reactions across the Arab world since the match. As The Zioneer previously reported, Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan was booked, spat at the crowd, and cursed after the defeat. An Algerian commentator had also blamed the "Jewish lobby" for Messi's success, reflecting a familiar antisemitic conspiracy theory resurfacing in the wake of sporting disappointment.
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