Ban on Israeli players lifted as World Bowls Tour brings in extra security for Norfolk tournament

A controversial decision to ban Israeli competitors from an international bowls tournament has been reversed.

The World Bowls Tour said it would be installing extra security at the venue in Norfolk so the three players affected could now compete in the world indoor championships at Hopton near Great Yarmouth.

The move comes after an angry reaction to the tour's original ban and allegations of antisemitism.

The World Bowls Tour said it was delighted that the players could now take part following the addition of "significant additional security measures" at the Potters Resorts venue.

It said: "This means that we will now be able to welcome as competitors, Daniel Alomin in the World Open Singles and Amnon Amar and Itai Rigbi in the World Open Pairs.

"The WBT acknowledges that this has been a difficult time for all involved and we are pleased that we have been able to achieve an outcome that includes players for all supporting countries."

The ban was originally announced after pro-Palestinian groups orchestrated an email campaign, lobbying the organisers of the contest.

Pressure group Show Israeli Genocide the Red Card reacted to the New Year about-face by saying the World Bowls Tour had "no moral fibre".

In a statement on their Facebook page they said they were extremely disappointed, adding: "We reject all claims that isolating Israeli competitors is discriminatory."

But Reform MP Rupert Lowe, who represents the constituency of Great Yarmouth, described the change of heart as fantastic news.

He said: "The Israeli team will be welcomed in Great Yarmouth, and I wish them well for the event. The World Bowls Tour have made the right decision. I thank them for that, and their apology to the individuals involved."

The move was also welcomed by Jewish groups, including the Board of Deputies of British Jews.

Senior vice-president Adrian Cohen said: "Sports bodies are now facing the same sort of intimidation from extreme pro-Palestine groups that the Jewish community, UK politicians, and businesses with real or imagined links to Israel, have faced for more than a year.

“As a society, we need to stand up to the bullies who call for discriminatory practices that may be a breach of equalities legislation, and undermine the cohesion of our society."

Potters Resorts, which has hosted the tournament since 1999, previously said it was not involved in deciding who was invited to the event and was looking forward to hosting bowls players from across the world.

The tournament begins on 10 January.

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