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European Championship qualifier between Ireland and Israel: overshadowed by the Middle East conflict
Photo: Mika Volkmann/ imago images/Mika Volkmann
Because an Israeli basketball player accused them of having anti-Semitic sentiments, Irish players refused the usual pre-game handshake before both countries' European Championship qualifier in Riga.
"It is known that they are quite anti-Semitic, and it is no secret, and maybe that is why a strong game is expected," said Israeli player Dor Saar in an interview published by the Israel Basketball Association.
In a statement, the Irish association described the allegations as “inflammatory” and “completely inaccurate” and supported the players’ actions. The usual exchange of pennants also did not take place; during the national anthem, the Irish players stood in front of the substitutes' bench instead of in the middle of the field.
At the end of January, the Irish Association published a statement on the upcoming game. "We are all very concerned about the events in Gaza and are very sympathetic to the terrible situation that the people there are facing," it said. Since the conflict flared up again, there has been regular communication with the basketball association Fiba Europe to express concerns about the games with Israel, including the option of not playing the games. “However, Fiba Europe insists that we play the games.”
Because of the Israel-Gaza war, the game did not take place in Israel, but in Riga, Latvia. Israel won clearly with 87:57.
aeh/dpa