British wheelchair basketball players criticized for protesting the national anthem in opposition to Israel
British Wheelchair Basketball Team Apologises for Israeli Anthem Protest
The British Wheelchair Basketball team has issued a formal apology following public pressure over their protest during the playing of the Israeli national anthem at the Wheelchair Basketball Nations Cup in Cologne.
The apology comes after a series of criticisms from various parties, including Claire Bullivant, CEO of the Great British PAC, who expressed "utter disbelief and disappointment" in a public letter, calling the protest a "clumsy, ill-informed political gesture." Bullivant accused the players of abusing their position and taxpayer support.
The Israeli Paralympic Committee's president, Moshe "Mutz" Matalon, also condemned the act as "deeply disrespectful." Israeli player Ilay Yarhi described the incident as "an attack on our dignity as players."
The Israeli Paralympic Committee has lodged a formal complaint with the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF). ParalympicsGB has reminded athletes that political protests are banned at international competitions.
The British Wheelchair Basketball team's apology was published on August 29. In the statement, the team acknowledged the distress caused and expressed regret for their actions, which were understood to be a protest against Israel's military campaign in Gaza.
The apology follows discussions with ParalympicsGB, the IWBF, and the Israeli Paralympic Committee. The British team is currently under review and the British Wheelchair Basketball Governing Body has been approached for comment.
Despite the controversy, the British Paralympic team's success was reported in the "Sport" section. They secured a remarkable second place in the medal table at the 2024 Paralympic Games, bringing home a total of 124 medals, including 49 golds, 44 silvers, and 31 bronzes.
This performance by the British Paralympic team marks one of the nation's most successful in the history of the competition. The team's success is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and the support they receive from public funding, of which British Wheelchair Basketball receives £4.9 million for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics.
Bullivant, however, warned that unless the team issues a public apology, its right to represent Britain and continue receiving taxpayer funding should be "seriously reconsidered." The future of the British Wheelchair Basketball team hangs in the balance as they navigate the fallout from their protest.
