Israel's four-man bobsleigh team competing in heat one of their discipline at the Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. Photograph: Richard Heathcote/Getty ImagesItaly’s state broadcaster ‌RAI was forced to apologise to the Jewish community on Saturday ‌after an off-air remark advising its producers to “avoid” the Israeli crew was ​broadcast before coverage of the four-man bobsleigh event at the Winter Olympics. On ‌Saturday, ​viewers heard “Let’s avoid crew number 21, which is the Israeli one”, and then “no, because . The union representing RAI journalists, Usigrai, had said Paolo Petrecca’s ‌opening ceremony commentary had dealt “a serious blow” to the company’s credibility. His missteps ​included misidentifying venues and public figures, ​and making comments about national teams that were widely criticised.

Source: The Irish Times February 21, 2026 22:14 UTC