An official Davis Cup tennis match between Canada, ranked sixth in the world, and Israel, ranked 30th, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, will be played behind closed doors due to “escalating safety concerns,” Tennis Canada said on Tuesday.
“Intelligence received from local authorities and national security agencies, combined with disruptions witnessed at other recent events both in Canada and internationally, indicated a risk of significant disruption to this event,” the sports associated said.
The Davis Cup World Group tie, scheduled to take place on Sept. 12-13, was supposed to be played at Scotiabank Centre.
“This decision was not taken lightly and was made in consultation with the International Tennis Federation,” Tennis Canada said.
Gavin Ziv, chief executive officer of the organization, said that shutting the tie to fans was the only way to preserve the event and “safeguard those involved.
“While this outcome is very disappointing, it allows the tie to proceed in Halifax and ensures that our athletes can continue to compete at the highest international level,” Ziv added.
Some 1,500 purchased tickets will be refunded in the next 30 days, ESPN reported.
Halifax Regional Police said that its personnel will be present at the event, the report added.
“Extremists are threatening our Canadian way of life—and our leaders need to take a stand,” said Noah Shack, CEO of Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, a body representing Jewish Federations across Canada.
“It is unacceptable that hate, harassment and intimidation have made it unsafe to support our athletes in our own country,” Shack added.
“We are at a crossroads. Our political leaders must decide whether we are a nation governed by peace, order and good government—or one where fear and intimidation dictate our way of life. We’re calling on the Government of Canada to speak out and advance impactful solutions to protect Canadians,” said Shack.
The tie will now operate in a broadcast-only format, with fans able to watch the matches on sports channels and the CBC Sports YouTube channel.
