Bielsko-Biala (QNN)- The Israeli judo team was disqualified from a tournament in Bielsko-Biała, Poland, after their coach physically attacked opponents and the referee. Video footage shows the coach’s violent behavior, prompting organizers to expel the entire delegation.
https://x.com/poland_based/status/2010700971505053696?s=46
The tournament was livestreamed, and no evidence has emerged showing any violence against the Israeli minors.
Bielsko-Biała’s website reported that the Israeli coach became aggressive after disagreeing with a referee’s decision. The coach shouted insults, entered the competition ring, and “violated the physical integrity of the referee.” Police were called, and the team was officially disqualified.
Tomasz Chmielniak, president of the Janosik Club in Bielsko, told TVN24: “Young Israeli players were certainly not attacked. If someone was attacked, it was the person refereeing (…) by a coach from Israel.”
Bielsko police spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Sławomir Kocur confirmed that the coach made "physical contact". “We asked the parties (…) and informed them about the possibility of filing a report. None of them did. The parties calmed down, and no one had any complaints against anyone,” he said.
Despite this, the Israeli embassy in Poland issued a statement, claiming that the Israeli team “was attacked verbally and physically” during the competition. The embassy called for Polish authorities to investigate and ensure the safety of Israeli athletes.
