Belgian police and authorities have decided they cannot manage the “huge” security challenges posed by having Israeli participants at a teen frisbee tournament. (Yes, you read that correctly, a FRISBEE 🥏 tournament)

“The presence and participation of the Israeli delegation in this tournament pose a threat to public order and the safety of involved participants,” stated De Pinte mayor Vincent Van Peteghem, following vandalism at the local sports park by anti-Israel activists.

According to the mayor’s office, the phrase “Boycott Israhell now!” was painted on the sports complex building.

After these incidents and threats of boycotts, the Schelde-Leie Police determined that they could not ensure the safety of attendees. The new venue was also deemed unsuitable for handling a situation where large groups of activists could confront participants and authorized attendees over the five-day event.

The Israeli Flying Disc Association (IFDA) noted that it was ironic that the city concluded police could not secure Israeli participation but were there tasked with ensuring compliance with the ban on Israeli attendance.

“Due to these safety concerns, it is absolutely necessary for the organizer to exclude the Israeli delegation from the tournament,” the police stated.

“It’s absurd that 15-year-old players can’t participate in the sport they love because of cheap politics and antisemitism,” said a representative of the Israeli Flying Disc Association (IFDA).

The Israeli players remain stranded in Belgium, facing difficulties booking flights out of the country, and are unable to leave their hotel due to the security situation.