Basketball Ireland has stood in solidarity with the women’s under-20 side after some players were on the receiving end of ‘abusive and disgraceful comments’ on social media following the defeat to Israel.
The Irish side suffered their second heavy defeat in Group B of the European Challengers series. They went down 91-34 to the Israelis and before taking another battering from Hungary who won the game by over 60 points.
Basketball Ireland tweeted to criticise the recent barrage of abuse: “would like to condemn the abusive and disgraceful comments directed at our U20 women’s team on social media.
“Our players and coaching staff have dedicated a lot of time and effort to represent their country. Girls you’re doing us proud.”
Supporters of the under-20 national side have also supported the girls on social media as one fan tweeted: “In both games the girls have battled all the way to the buzzer and have given everything.
“We are talking about a basketball [game] that is unforgiving. The girls and staff are representing our country and need all our support.
“Ignore the idiots looking for their moment of fame,” Dominic Foster wrote on Twitter.
The Irish ladies have no time to rest on their laurels as they look to set the record straight in another tough game against Spain this afternoon.
