LONDON: Members of the Great Britain wheelchair basketball team turned their backs on their Israeli opponents before a game in Germany. The teams were taking part in the Wheelchair Basketball Nations Cup in Cologne on Aug. 16, and the incident came before the tip-off during the playing of the national anthems. Footage has emerged showing the two teams lined up on either side of the court, and the British basketball players appearing to turn their backs on the Israeli team and flag as the latter’s national anthem was played as part of the pre-match ceremony.

Protest by wheelchair basketball team described as ‘deeply disrespectful and offensive’

The Paralympic team turned their wheelchairs around so they were facing away from the Israeli flag as it was lifted during the national anthem of the Jewish state last Saturday.