The Irish women’s team was furious over accusations of anti-Semitism by Israeli players and avoided the usual pre-match courtesy during Thursday’s EuroBasket qualifier against Israel.
Basketball Ireland has notified governing body FIBA Europe following the accusations made by Israeli player Dor Sar on the Israeli Basketball Association’s official channels. A forfeiture of the match was rejected because Ireland could face sanctions.
Instead, there were no handshakes or other hospitality before qualifying in Riga, Latvia, an alternate venue due to the Gaza war.
“The Basketball Association of Ireland announced yesterday that as a direct result of recent statements by Israeli players and coaching staff, including inflammatory and completely inaccurate accusations of anti-Semitism published on the Israeli federation’s official channels, The players have informed FIBA Europe that they will not participate in traditional pre-sport “with regards to match arrangements with future opponents,” it said in a statement Thursday.
“This will include the exchange of gifts and formal handshakes before and after the game, but the players will line up on the bench for the national anthem rather than on center court. Basketball Ireland will fully control the players’ decisions. We will support you.”
Ireland resisted pressure to boycott the match (the federation said it was impossible), but several players refused to travel to Riga.
“They are known to be very anti-Semitic, it’s no secret, and maybe that’s why we expect a strong game,” said Saar, a student based in the US. He spoke in an interview published by.
“We have to prove that we are better than them and win. We talk about it ourselves, we know they don’t love us and we always We’re going to leave everything on the field, especially in this game.”
Israel won 87-57. The team is in the same group as France and Latvia. Ireland are scheduled to host Israel on November 10th.