The Irish women’s basketball team sparked controversy when they refused to partake in the customary pre-match rituals, including the handshake, ahead of their game against Israeli opponents.
The decision came after accusations of antisemitism surfaced, with Israeli player Dor Saar claiming that the Irish team harbored such sentiments.
Saar’s allegations, aired on official Israeli Basketball Association channels, prompted Basketball Ireland to lodge a complaint with the governing body FIBA Europe. Despite the controversy, forfeiting the match was deemed unacceptable, as it would have resulted in sanctions against Ireland.
Basketball Ireland swiftly denounced Saar’s remarks as “inflammatory and wholly inaccurate,” asserting their support for the Irish players’ decision to abstain from the traditional pre-match arrangements.
Before the qualifier in Riga, Latvia—an alternative venue due to the conflict in Gaza—the usual exchanges of pleasantries, including handshakes, were noticeably absent. Additionally, the Irish players chose to stand for their anthem beside the team’s bench rather than at center court.
Israel’s coach Sharon Ducker expressed disappointment, accusing Ireland of lacking respect for the essence of the game, particularly after Irish players voiced concerns about participating.
In a statement, Basketball Ireland outlined their stance: “Basketball Ireland informed FIBA Europe yesterday that as a direct result of recent comments made by Israeli players and coaching staff – including inflammatory and wholly inaccurate accusations of antisemitism, published on official Israeli federation channels – that our players will not be partaking in traditional pre-match arrangements with our upcoming opponents.”
While Ireland resisted calls for a boycott, citing feasibility concerns, several players chose not to travel to Riga for the match.
In an interview with the Israeli Basketball Association, Saar, a student based in the United States, asserted, “It’s known that they are quite antisemitic and it’s no secret, and maybe that’s why a strong game is expected.”
Despite the controversy, Israel emerged victorious with a score of 87-57. Both teams are part of a group alongside France and Latvia, with Ireland scheduled to host Israel on November 10.
