Israeli fencers face apparent political protests

[vminfla]

http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=ap-worlds-israel

Two Israeli athletes have been the target of apparent political protests at the fencing world championships.

African champion Sarra Besbes of Tunisia reluctantly competed against Noam Mills of Israel after an initial refusal in pool qualification of women’s epee Monday, International Fencing Federation communications manager Katrin Holz told The Associated Press on Tuesday.



Mills won 3-0, with Italian media reporting that Besbes remained immobile and cried after the contest.

In a men’s event on Sunday, Sayyad Ghanbari Hamad of Iran refused to compete against Tomer Or of Israel, Turin daily La Stampa reported.

[dtexdem]

1. What, Israel is now trying to build their fence in Sicily?

;-)

[vminfla]

4. I do not think any Sicilians are trying to kill them

The protective fences are in the appropriate location to maximize saving lives. But what about this intolerant Tunisian? Any feedback on that?

[King_David]

2. Tunisia is not exactly a bastion of human rights nt

[ProgressiveProfessor]

3. I admire their willingness to publicly forfeit matches for their beliefs, assuming it is their

personal belief and not direction from their national government. If it is a national policy, the nation should be considered for banning in ALL international sports.

Having convictions is fine, but be prepared to pay the price when the rest of us find them unacceptable.