Irish basketball players shun handshakes with Israel after antisemitism claim

RIGA, Latvia — The Irish women's team eschewed the usual pre-match courtesies when they faced Israel in EuroBasket qualifying Thursday after being outraged by accusations of anti-Semitism made by an Israeli player .

Accusations by Israeli player Dor Saar on official Israel Basketball Federation channels have prompted Basketball Ireland to report them to governing body FIBA ​​Europe. The forfeit was rejected because Ireland would have been sanctioned.

Instead, there were no handshakes or other pleasantries before the qualifying match in Riga, Latvia, an alternative venue due to the war in Gaza.

“Basketball Ireland informed FIBA ​​Europe yesterday that as a direct result of recent comments made by Israeli players and coaches — including inflammatory and completely inaccurate accusations of anti-Semitism, published on the Israeli federation's official channels – – that our players would not participate in traditional pre-match arrangements with our upcoming opponents,” A declaration read Thursday.

“This includes the exchange of gifts, formal handshakes before or after the match, while our players will line up for the national anthem near our bench, rather than at center court. Basketball Ireland fully supports our players in their decision.”

While Ireland resisted pressure to boycott the match – the federation said this was not feasible – several players opted not to travel to Riga.

“We know they are quite anti-Semitic and it's no secret, and maybe that's why we're expecting a strong match,” said Saar, a student based in the United States. United, in an interview published by the Israel Basketball Federation.

We have to show that we are better than them and win. We talk about it among ourselves, we know that they don't like us and we will always leave everything on the pitch and in this particular match.”

Israel won 87-57. The teams are in a group with France and Latvia. Ireland is scheduled to host Israel on November 10.