In an interview on the Israeli Basketball Association’s website, Israeli player Dor Saar said before the game: "It’s known that they are quite anti-semitic and it’s no secret, and maybe that’s why a strong game is expected.
“We have to show that we’re better than them and win. We talk about it among ourselves. We know they don’t love us and we will leave everything on the field always and in this game especially.”
Basketball Ireland’s statement prior to the start of the game read: "Basketball Ireland informed Fiba Europe yesterday that as a direct result of recent comments made by Israeli players and coaching staff - including inflammatory and wholly inaccurate accusations of anti-Semitism, published on official Israeli Federation channels - that our players will not be partaking in traditional pre-match arrangements with our upcoming opponents.
I don’t agree that when you’re gay, you should just dislike any muslim country, but I appreciate to hear your opinion about it. (I do agree that their treatment of gays is wrong though) I agree that that’s what an online community shoul be about. Different folks discussing different opinions. That’s what makes the internet awrsome, not advertisements and profits. Just discussions and closing the gap of polarisation.