Police told us it was safe to race, says Israel team coach
Four Israeli triathletes were withdrawn from the Derry race after organisers raised concerns about their participation.
Israeli athletes were withdrawn from a race in Londonderry after local organizers raised safety concerns, according to the national team coach. The Israeli Triathlon Association's high performance director, Lior Cohen, stated that the police assured him the event was safe, but the PSNI later acknowledged they had become aware of potential protest activity.
The athletes were due to compete in the Europe Triathlon Cup, but their participation was called into question by North West Triathlon Club officials. The Israeli Triathlon Association is now considering legal action over what they perceive as discriminatory treatment and antisemitism. This incident is not the first time Israel has faced difficulties participating in sports events on the island of Ireland since the beginning of the Gaza war in 2023.
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