Arr, them lasses of Ireland's basketball be refusin' to shake hands with Israel, claimin' some antisemitic accusations, har!
2024-02-09
Arrr, ye scurvy dogs! In this here 2025 EuroBasket qualifier, the lasses from Ireland's basketball crew be causin' quite the ruckus! They be refusin' to shake hands with Israel, claimin' it be due to antisemitism. Ahoy, controversy be sailin' with 'em!
Ireland women's basketball team refused to shake hands with the Israeli team before their EuroBasket qualifier game, following accusations of anti-Semitism. Basketball Ireland released a statement informing FIBA Europe that the team would not participate in the traditional pre-match arrangements, including handshakes and sharing center court during the national anthems. The decision was made in response to recent comments made by Israeli players and coaching staff, which included inflammatory and inaccurate accusations of anti-Semitism. Basketball Ireland fully supported their players' decision. The snub came after comments made by Dor Sa'ar, a debutant for the Israeli national team, were published, stating that Ireland is known to be quite anti-Semitic. Sa'ar emphasized the need for Israel to show that they are better and win. There were calls for Ireland to boycott the game, but they were informed that they would face substantial fines if they did so. Israel went on to win the match with a score of 87-57.