The Ireland squad prior to the national anthems ahead of their qualifier against Israel in Riga, Latvia. Photograph: FIBA “We Love Israel” read the electronic advertising boards behind the Irish players as they stood grim-faced courtside in advance of their European Championship qualifying game in a largely deserted venue in Riga, Latvia. A number of their team-mates – reportedly five – had opted to remain at home, the 12 who made the trip wearing the look of players who wished they were anywhere else. From one side in a tumultuous build-up, there was intense pressure on them to boycott the...