Youth frisbee championships disrupted by protests against Israeli team
Pro-Palestinian activists have defaced buildings at a sports field, disrupting the European Youth Ultimate Championships in De Pinte. A match involving the Israeli team was cancelled as a result and the tournament's future is in doubt.
The vandalism occurred as Israeli players were set to participate in the international frisbee tournament, which was initially planned to take place in Ghent. Due to safety concerns, the neighbouring municipality of De Pinte was asked to host the match without spectators.
The graffiti at the sports field read "Boycott Israel now". The activists also distributed an anonymous press release accusing Ghent city council of sympathising with Israel. They criticised Ghent for moving the match outside the city, claiming it demonstrated complicity in the "imperialist project" of Israel.
Acting mayor of De Pinte Lieve Van Lancker condemned the vandalism, saying the municipal government would do everything possible to identify the perpetrators.
Seeking alternatives
Ghent city council, although not directly involved in organising the tournament, is consulting local police forces about safety decisions. The event was due to start on Tuesday but no matches have yet been played. Ghent police are in discussions with the organisers to find a solution, but the immediate future of the championship is uncertain.
The event's management said it was working towards a solution. "The fact that the Israeli teams are participating and that they have an equal right to participate is proving to be a difficult issue this week," it said.
Eleven countries are involved in the tournament, held in Blaarmeersen, Ghent. Only pre-registered spectators were to be allowed to watch the matches involving Israel, but the recent vandalism has led to further restrictions.
The local police of Schelde-Leie, citing security risks, decided against hosting the matches. Organisers are now considering a shortened version of the event, possibly starting on Wednesday. Discussions with local clubs are under way to find alternative venues for matches involving Israeli teams.
#FlandersNewsService | © PHOTO LI YIIBO/XINHUA
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