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.

The Israeli team, lined up in front of the British players, were not aware at the time of what was occurring. British coaches did not take part in the apparent protest. 

The Israeli Paralympic Committee has lodged a complaint with the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation.

A spokesperson for British Wheelchair Basketball told the Daily Telegraph that it is “aware of the incident,” adding: “We are continuing discussions internally after conversations with ParalympicsGB, IWBF and the Israeli Paralympic Committee.”