Israeli ban sparks antisemitism row ahead of Norfolk world bowls championship

An international bowls tournament due to start in the New Year has been caught up in a row about antisemitism after the organisers announced Israeli competitors will be banned from the event.

The World Indoor Championships is due to start at Potters Resorts in the coastal village of Hopton near Great Yarmouth in January.

But the World Bowls Tour has revealed that it has taken the "difficult decision" to withdrawn an invitation to three Israeli players, citing the "intensity" of feeling over their participation.

The organisation said the move was prompted by "recent challenges" experienced with the involvement of Israeli bowers at the Scottish International Open in West Lothian.

The move has sparked anger with Great Yarmouth's Reform MP Rupert Lowe describing it as "pure insanity" and accusing the organisers of bowing to "outrageous" pressure from pro-Palestinian campaigners.

Mr Lowe said: "I am genuinely disgusted. As far as I am concerned as the local MP, these individuals are welcome in our constituency.

"What message does this send? If the mob screams and shouts, they can get competitors of a certain nationality banned from entry?"

The World Bowls Tour said it had taken the decision after consulting with event partners and other stakeholders.

It added: "Therefore, as a result of the intensity of the situation, the WBT Board...has made the difficult decision to withdraw the invitation for Israel to participate in the forthcoming World Indoor Championships."

The decision is understood to affect three bowlers: Daniel Alomin in the World Singles, as well as Amnon Amar and Itai Rigbi in the World Open Pairs.

The WBT said: "This decision was not taken lightly and has been made in the best interests of the events success and integrity.

"Bowls is, and always has been, a sport that unites people and this choice reflects our commitment to protecting the Championships and ensuring they run smoothly for everyone involved.

"We remain hopeful that circumstances will allow us to welcome PBA Israel back to the WBT stage in the future."

A protest group called Show Israeli Genocide the Red Card is thought to have orchestrated a campaign against the Israeli participation, encouraging people to email their protests to the organisers.

It posted on its Facebook page: "The Israeli bowlers that we have been campaigning about have had their invitation withdrawn!

"We will keep chipping away against genocidal sports washing until Palestine is free!"

Potters Resorts, which has hosted the tournament since 1999, said it was not involved in deciding who was invited to the event.

A spokesperson said: "We have been informed by the World Bowls Tour Board that they have made the decision to withdraw the invitation for Israel to participate in the World Indoor Bowls Championships.

"While Potters Resorts is proud to host the event, we are not involved in decisions regarding player participation and remain a neutral venue for this prestigious competition.

"We are excited to host the only World Championships in East Anglia and look forward to welcoming players, spectators, and officials for what promises to be an incredible showcase of sport."

The Board of Deputies of British Jews issued a statement saying: "There can be no justification for this overt act of discrimination against Israeli participants, who are excluded solely on the basis of their nationality."

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know