British Paralympians Accused of Disrespect After Turning Backs During Israeli Anthem

Published: 23 August ‘2025. The English Chronicle Desk

A diplomatic row has erupted in the world of international sport after members of Britain’s wheelchair basketball team turned their backs during the Israeli national anthem at the Wheelchair Basketball Nations Cup in Cologne. The protest, which took place during the opening ceremony of the final group-stage match last Saturday, has been widely condemned as disrespectful and in violation of the rules banning political demonstrations at sporting events.

The British athletes, who swiveled their wheelchairs to face away from the official podium as Israel’s national anthem Hatikvah was played and the flag raised, are understood to have acted in protest against Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza. Their coaching staff did not take part in the gesture, which appeared to be the sole decision of the players.

The Israeli Paralympic Committee responded with anger, filing a formal complaint with the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF). Committee president Moshe “Mutz” Matalon described the gesture as “deeply disrespectful,” saying it undermined the Paralympic spirit and represented an affront not just to Israeli athletes but also to the values of international sport. He insisted sanctions should be imposed on anyone attempting to bring political disputes into sporting arenas, adding: “An Israeli team would never behave this way toward any national side. Sadly, it seems the world has already forgotten the horrors we endured on October 7.”

Israeli player Ilay Yarhi said the gesture had felt like a personal attack on his team’s dignity. According to him, some British players later tried to justify their actions as a demonstration for peace, with a few attempting to offer apologies. However, Yarhi said his team refused to accept these gestures, arguing that “if you don’t respect us, you don’t deserve any respect in return.”

In Britain, the move has triggered a fierce debate. ParalympicsGB, while not directly responsible for the Nations Cup as it falls under the IWBF’s jurisdiction, reminded all athletes of the strict prohibition against political statements during official competitions, ceremonies, and medal presentations. In a statement, the body emphasized the importance of separating political expression from sporting conduct, noting: “We respect every athlete’s right to hold personal views, but sensitivity must be shown about where and when those views are expressed.”

British Wheelchair Basketball, the governing body for the sport in the UK, acknowledged awareness of the incident and said discussions were ongoing with ParalympicsGB, the IWBF, and the Israeli Paralympic Committee. A spokesman confirmed the matter was being taken seriously, though no official disciplinary measures have yet been announced.

Criticism has also come from British political figures. Lord Austin, a former Labour MP, described the protest as “hugely offensive” and “a betrayal of the proud history of an international sporting movement that transcends borders.” He warned that if the team failed to apologize and guarantee no repeat of such actions, questions could be raised over the £4.9 million of taxpayer funding British Wheelchair Basketball has been allocated for preparations ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.

For many, the controversy echoes the long-running debate over whether sport should be a neutral ground, separate from political disputes, or whether athletes have the right to use their platform to highlight global injustices. Supporters of the protest have pointed to the devastating impact of the Gaza conflict and argued that silence would have been a betrayal of conscience. Opponents, however, insist that international competition must remain a place where athletes are respected irrespective of nationality, religion, or politics.

Despite the row, the British team went on to defeat Israel 74-64 in the match, before ultimately winning the overall Nations Cup title. Yet, the memory of their actions during the anthem may cast a long shadow over their victory, with disciplinary discussions and reputational damage likely to follow.

As the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation reviews Israel’s formal complaint, the case could set an important precedent on how far political expression is permitted in international sport. For now, however, the incident remains a divisive moment that has left both sides standing firm—one in defense of protest, the other in defense of respect and sporting dignity.