Israeli team's basketball match in London won't have fans amid safety fears

31 October 2023 , 10:17

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Kosta Koufos of London Lions during last year's game against Hapoel Tel Aviv in Wembley.

The EuroCup clash between London Lions and Israeli giants Hapoel Tel Aviv will take place behind closed doors for security reasons, following advice from police.

The teams were initially due to meet in Israel on Wednesday evening but owing to the ongoing conflict with Hamas a decision was made to reverse the game and stage it in Stratford's Copper Box Arena. That initially meant the match-up would be pushed back by 24 hours and discussions have since taken place involving safety advisory groups, including representatives from the Metropolitan police, resulting in deciding that the game will take place without any supporters in attendance.

Tensions are high across the UK following a series of pro-Palestine protests, including a 100,000+ demonstration in central London last weekend, while reported cases of antisemitism have rocketed.]

And London Lions said: "Based upon security advice from local police, this game will take place behind closed doors on this occasion."

Hapoel have also been told that they must find an alternative venue away from Israel to host their home games for security reasons.

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In a statement, Euroleague Basketball said: “The BKT EuroCup Regular Season Round 5 game between Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv and the London Lions will be played in London instead of Tel Aviv, with the contest now taking place at 19:30 local time (GMT) on Thursday, November 2 instead of on Wednesday, November 1.

“This decision has been taken considering the impossible nature of hosting games in Tel Aviv due to security concerns derived from the ongoing armed conflict in the area.

Tomer Ginat of Hapoel Tel Aviv and Luke Nelson, Tomislav Zubi, Sam Dekker of London Lions in action during the EuroCup match between London Lions and Hapoel Tel Aviv at OVO Arena Wembley on January 11.

“Euroleague Basketball (EB) has requested that Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv present an alternative arena located out of Israel to host its upcoming BKT EuroCup home games.”

The meeting of Hapoel and London Lions had been highly-anticipated with the Israeli team winning their first three games and the London club boasting a record of three wins and one defeat.

They also met in last year’s competition with Tel Aviv winning both encounters. Thursday’s game will still be televised on TNT Sports.

Alan Smith