British wheelchair basketball players turn backs on Israeli opponents before game

Video screen grab shows the British Paralympic wheelchair basketball team turning their backs on the Israeli team (Source: Independent.co.uk)
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Updated 24 August 2025
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British wheelchair basketball players turn backs on Israeli opponents before game

  • Apparent protest took place as Israeli national anthem played before match in Germany
  • Israeli Paralympic Committee has complained to International Wheelchair Basketball Federation

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.”


Newcastle complete cruise into Champions League last 16

Updated 25 February 2026
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Newcastle complete cruise into Champions League last 16

  • The Magpies will make up a six-strong contingent of English sides in the last 16 alongside Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham

NEWCASTLE, United Kingdom: Newcastle United completed their stroll into the Champions League last 16 with a 3-2 win over Qarabag on Tuesday to progress 9-3 on aggregate over the Azeri champions.
The Magpies will make up a six-strong contingent of English sides in the last 16 alongside Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham.
A tie that involved an over 5,000-mile (8,000 kilometer) round trip for both sides was killed off inside 45 minutes last week as Newcastle led 5-0 at half-time on their way to a 6-1 rout.
That allowed Eddie Howe to heavily rotate his side, with four-goal hero from the first leg Anthony Gordon among those left on the bench.
Newcastle still made another fast start to add to their lead twice inside six minutes.
Sandro Tonali fired in the rebound after Dan Burn’s shot was saved before Joelinton stroked in Harvey Barnes’ cross.
Qarabag had taken the scalps of Benfica and Eintracht Frankfurt in the league phase to make the play-off round and at least salvaged some pride with two goals in the second half.
Camilo Duran outpaced Burn to pull a goal back before the Newcastle defender was penalized for handball inside the box.The Magpies will make up a six-strong contingent of English sides in the last 16 alongside Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham.
Aaron Ramsdale saved Marko Jankovic’s penalty but Elvin Jafarguliyev netted the rebound.
In between the visitors’ two goals, Sven Botman powered in a header from a corner.
That took the tally of goals conceded by Qarabag in the Champions League to 30 — a single season record in the competition.