Overview
- At the start of Rai 2’s live four‑man bobsleigh coverage, a voice was heard saying, “Evitiamo l’equipaggio numero 21, che è quello dell’israeliano.”
- Interim Rai Sport chief Marco Lollobrigida labeled the phrase unacceptable, apologized to Israel’s athletes and delegation, and said internal checks began immediately to determine responsibility.
- Rai commentators later issued on‑air apologies, and the company said the remark violated public‑service values.
- Walker Meghnagi, president of the Jewish Community of Milan, condemned the comment and urged both Rai and the IOC to take action.
- The incident followed the Israeli NOC’s protest over a Swiss RTS commentator’s earlier remarks and added to pressure on Rai after criticism of its opening‑ceremony coverage and the resignation of director Paolo Petrecca.