The highly anticipated Israeli Premier League derby between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv was abruptly canceled by police due to violent riots that erupted before the scheduled kick-off. The chaotic scenes at Bloomfield Stadium left 12 civilians and three police officers injured, with nine individuals arrested and 16 detained for questioning. Authorities cited ‘public disorder and violent riots’ as the primary reason for the cancellation, highlighting the use of smoke grenades, pyrotechnic devices, and significant damage to infrastructure. Hapoel Tel Aviv criticized the decision, accusing the police of treating the event as a ‘war’ rather than a sporting occasion and alleging that most injuries resulted from ‘brutal police violence.’ The club condemned all acts of violence but vowed to challenge lawbreakers, even if they were law enforcement officers. Meanwhile, safety concerns have extended beyond Israel, with Birmingham’s Safety Advisory Group recommending that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans be barred from attending an upcoming Europa League match against Aston Villa on November 6. The UK government is working to overturn the ban, exploring additional measures to ensure the fixture proceeds safely. West Midlands Police supported the ban, classifying the match as ‘high risk’ due to past incidents, including violent clashes between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax fans in Amsterdam in November 2024. The cancellation and ongoing tensions reflect broader unrest linked to the war in Gaza, which has spilled over into various sporting events globally.
分类： sports
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Watch: Saudi awards pure gold racket to Jannik Sinner after beating Carlos Alcaraz
In a dazzling display of tennis prowess, Jannik Sinner, the world No. 2, triumphed at the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday. The 24-year-old Italian defeated world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory, securing his second consecutive title at the prestigious event. The match, which lasted just 73 minutes, not only showcased Sinner’s exceptional skill but also earned him a staggering $6 million, including $4.5 million in prize money and a $1.5 million participation fee. As a crowning glory, Sinner was awarded a full-size, solid gold racket valued at $250,000, symbolizing his excellence and remarkable achievements in the sport. The golden racket, crafted from pure gold, has become a hallmark of the Six Kings Slam, with Rafael Nadal receiving a similar accolade last year in recognition of his legendary career. Organized by Turki Al Sheikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and adviser to the Royal Court, the three-day event featured six of the world’s top male tennis players and was streamed globally on Netflix. Although the results do not count toward ATP rankings or official head-to-head records, the tournament highlighted Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the sports world. In his post-match interview, Sinner expressed his joy and gratitude, stating, ‘I wish I could play like this everywhere. It’s a huge pleasure and honor to share the court with Carlos.’ He also praised the passion of the Saudi audience and the improved facilities, expressing his eagerness to return to Riyadh in the future. Sinner’s victory underscores his rising dominance in tennis and Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a key player in the global sports arena.
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Messi bags hat trick as Inter roar into playoffs with 5-2 win over Nashville
Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass performance, scoring a hat trick to secure the Major League Soccer (MLS) Golden Boot and lead Inter Miami to a resounding 5-2 victory over Nashville SC. The win clinched a playoff berth for Inter Miami, who finished third in the Eastern Conference. Messi’s three goals brought his season tally to an impressive 29 goals in 28 matches, solidifying his status as the league’s top scorer. Los Angeles FC’s Denis Bouanga and Nashville’s Sam Surridge trailed behind with 24 goals each. Messi’s stellar display also bolstered his case for a second consecutive Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Inter Miami will face Nashville again in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs starting October 24. Coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi’s exceptional performance, stating, ‘Today he was exceptional, as he usually is. Surely he will be awarded the MVP for what he has demonstrated.’ The match saw Nashville take an early lead, but Messi’s brilliance, including a penalty and a curling shot through traffic, turned the tide in Miami’s favor. Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, San Diego FC secured the top seed after a 4-0 victory over the Portland Timbers, while Dallas clinched a playoff spot with a 2-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps. Real Salt Lake also advanced to the playoffs following a 2-2 draw with St. Louis.
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Arteta encouraged as leaders Arsenal end Fulham jinx
Mikel Arteta expressed optimism following Arsenal’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fulham, marking their first win at Craven Cottage in three attempts. Leandro Trossard’s decisive 58th-minute strike secured the Gunners’ fifth consecutive win across all competitions, solidifying their position at the top of the Premier League table. Arsenal now hold a three-point lead over second-placed Manchester City, with reigning champions Liverpool trailing by four points ahead of their clash with Manchester United. This victory is particularly significant for Arsenal, who struggled in similar fixtures last season, managing just one point from away games against Newcastle and Fulham, as well as a home match against West Ham. This season, however, they have already amassed nine points from these encounters, signaling a marked improvement. Arteta emphasized the importance of these wins as a statement of intent for a team that has finished as runners-up in the last three seasons and is determined to clinch their first league title since 2004. ‘The recent history wasn’t in our favour, and we wanted to change that,’ Arteta remarked. ‘This is another step towards developing the mindset and ability to win these challenging matches against strong opposition.’ The match was not without controversy, as Bukayo Saka appeared to have earned a penalty after being fouled by Fulham’s Kevin. However, VAR overturned the decision, ruling that Kevin had touched the ball first. Arteta, visibly frustrated on the sidelines, later acknowledged the correct decision but criticized the delay in the VAR process. The only concern for Arsenal was the continued goal drought of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has failed to score in seven consecutive games since his high-profile transfer from Sporting Lisbon. Despite his struggles, Arteta remains supportive, praising Gyokeres’ work rate and expressing confidence that the goals will come. ‘He was very close again today. We all want him to score, and it will happen,’ Arteta assured.
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City boss Guardiola warns against overdependence on Haaland
Despite Erling Haaland’s stellar performance, scoring a brace in Manchester City’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton, manager Pep Guardiola emphasized the need for the team to reduce its reliance on the Norwegian striker. Haaland, 25, has been in exceptional form this season, netting 23 goals for both club and country. However, the rest of the squad has struggled to contribute, with no other player scoring more than once in the league. Guardiola highlighted missed opportunities by Savinho, Jeremy Doku, and Tijjani Reijnders, stressing that such chances must be capitalized on at the highest level. ‘We cannot rely solely on Haaland. Wingers and attacking midfielders must step up and score goals,’ Guardiola stated. Defender Ruben Dias echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of collective contribution. Guardiola praised the team’s improved delivery to Haaland in the second half, acknowledging his pivotal role. Haaland leads the league with 11 goals in eight games, a feat only he has achieved three times in Premier League history. Midfielder Phil Foden lauded Haaland as a ‘world-class striker,’ always present at crucial moments. After a disappointing third-place finish last season, City is now unbeaten in eight games across all competitions, with Haaland’s form reigniting their title aspirations. ‘Erling lives for it,’ Guardiola remarked, highlighting his importance to the team’s success.
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South African rowers of color become first to compete at Charles, part of larger trend toward access
In a groundbreaking moment for diversity in elite sports, four South African rowers are set to make history at the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston this weekend. Representing the first crew of color from South Africa to compete internationally, their participation underscores a global effort to dismantle barriers in a sport historically dominated by white athletes. Originating from British colonial traditions, competitive rowing has long excluded marginalized communities, but recent initiatives aim to reshape its future. This year’s regatta also features other historic firsts, including the first all-Black women’s 8+ from the U.S., an indigenous 4+, and a native women’s 4+. Lwazi-Tsebo Zwane, a 23-year-old rower from Germiston, South Africa, emphasized the significance of their journey, stating, ‘It takes a lot to be at this regatta. There’s been a lot of pitfalls, there’s been a lot of barriers.’ Zwane and his teammates are acutely aware of their role as inspirations for younger rowers, particularly in communities where access to resources is limited. Structural challenges, such as the high cost of equipment and lack of access to waterways, persist in both South Africa and the U.S., perpetuating inequality. Arshay Cooper, founder of a foundation supporting underrepresented athletes, highlighted the need for systemic change, noting, ‘There’s talent everywhere, but not a lot of access and opportunity.’ The regatta also serves as a platform for social advocacy, with last year’s indigenous four using their participation to honor murdered and missing indigenous women. Despite recent setbacks in diversity initiatives, organizers remain committed to fostering inclusivity. Denise Aquino, co-founder of the nonprofit podcast Rowing in Color, emphasized the importance of representation, stating, ‘It’s about the young people who will see these boats and feel visibility and representation in the sport we all love.’ For Zwane and his teammates, the experience is both transformative and humbling, offering a rare glimpse into a world that remains inaccessible to many. ‘This is a luxury,’ Zwane reflected. ‘It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.’
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England reaches semifinals after surviving India’s thrilling run chase at Women’s Cricket World Cup
In a nail-biting encounter at the Women’s Cricket World Cup, England triumphed over India by a narrow margin of four runs, securing their place in the semifinals. The match, held at Holkar Stadium in Indore, saw India falter despite a strong performance, marking their third consecutive loss in the tournament. Chasing a target of 289, India appeared poised for victory, with Smriti Mandhana leading the charge with a stellar 88 and captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributing a steady 70. However, England’s disciplined bowling, spearheaded by Nat Sciver-Brunt (2-47) and Linsey Smith (1-40), stifled India’s momentum, culminating in a dramatic finish. India concluded their innings at 284-6 in 50 overs, leaving the home crowd in disbelief. Earlier, England had set a competitive total of 288-8, powered by Heather Knight’s explosive 109 off 91 balls. With this win, England remains unbeaten in the tournament and advances to the semifinals alongside Australia and South Africa. India, now fourth in the standings, faces an uphill battle in their remaining matches against New Zealand and Bangladesh to keep their semifinal hopes alive.
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Sei Young Kim wins LPGA South Korea by 4 strokes to end 5-year drought
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, South Korean golf star Sei Young Kim clinched a decisive victory at the BMW Ladies Championship on Sunday, ending a five-year title drought. The LPGA Tour veteran, who joined the circuit in 2015, carded a final-round 67 to secure a four-stroke win at Pine Beach Golf Links on the Korean peninsula. Kim’s four-round total of 24-under 264 marked her 13th career title and her first since the Women’s PGA Championship in 2020. The 32-year-old showcased her prowess by dropping only one shot at the par-3 third hole and sinking six birdies throughout the remainder of the round, comfortably outpacing her closest competitor, Japan’s Nasa Hataoka, who finished at 20-under 268. Celine Boutier and Kim A-lim tied for third place at 18-under, while defending champion Hannah Green shared fifth place with Yealimi Noh at 17-under. The tournament also saw impressive performances from Lindy Duncan, Choi Hye-jin, and An Na-rin, who tied for seventh. This victory adds momentum to Kim’s career as the LPGA Tour continues its Asian swing, with upcoming events in Malaysia and Japan.
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Australia bowls first in ODI against India led by new captain Shubman Gill
In a strategic move, Australia won the toss and elected to bowl in the opening One-Day International (ODI) cricket match against India at Perth on Sunday. This marks the beginning of a highly anticipated series between the two cricketing giants. India, under the leadership of their newly appointed ODI captain Shubman Gill, is looking to build momentum ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Gill, who also captains India’s Test team, has taken over the reins from Rohit Sharma, who returns to the squad as a batter alongside Virat Kohli. The duo, who had retired from Test cricket before India’s tour of England, are back in action for the first time since India’s Champions Trophy victory in March. On the Australian side, Mitchell Starc makes a comeback after being rested for recent series, as the hosts gear up for a packed summer schedule. This includes three ODIs and five Twenty20 Internationals against India, followed by the Ashes Test series against England. Mitch Marsh, leading the Australian team, will open the batting with Travis Head on his home pitch. The hosts have also introduced fresh faces to their middle order, including Matt Renshaw, Josh Philippe, Mitch Owen, and Cooper Connolly. India’s eight-game tour of Australia will see them play ODIs in Perth, Adelaide (October 23), and Sydney (October 25), followed by five Twenty20 matches across Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Gold Coast, and Brisbane. Both teams are set to showcase their depth and talent as they prepare for future challenges on the global stage.
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Staying Power on display as Godolphin’s Trawlerman thrills on British Champions Day
The 2025 British Champions Day at Ascot witnessed a series of thrilling performances, with Godolphin’s Trawlerman and Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmouk Al Maktoum’s Powerful Glory stealing the spotlight. Trawlerman, under the expert guidance of jockey William Buick, delivered a masterclass in the Group 1 QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup, securing his status as Britain’s Champion Stayer of the year. The victory marked Godolphin’s 17th Champion Owner title in the UK, cementing their dominance in the sport. Trainer John Gosden praised Trawlerman’s relentless gallop and hinted at an early-season run before next year’s Gold Cup. Meanwhile, Powerful Glory stunned the sprint division with a 200-1 upset in the QIPCO Champions Sprint, becoming the longest-priced winner in European Group 1 history. Jockey Jamie Spencer, still in disbelief, credited the horse’s unexpected surge. The day also saw French raider Calandagan triumph in the Champion Stakes, adding to the drama of an unforgettable finale to the flat-racing season.