The decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending their Europa League match against Aston Villa in Birmingham has sparked a heated debate, with accusations of antisemitism and concerns over public safety dominating the discourse. The ban, announced on Thursday, was based on recommendations from West Midlands Police, citing the club’s history of violence and disruption in European cities. Prime Minister Keir Starmer swiftly condemned the move, labeling it a ‘wrong decision’ and vowing to combat antisemitism. However, ministers are reportedly considering reversing the ban, adding further complexity to the situation.
分类： sports
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Dubai Basketball overpowers FC Barcelona in EuroLeague victory at Coca-Cola Arena
Dubai Basketball showcased a masterclass performance on Thursday night, defeating FC Barcelona 83:78 in a thrilling EuroLeague clash at the Coca-Cola Arena. From the opening tip-off, Jurica Golemac’s squad executed a disciplined game plan, focusing on controlling the paint and dictating the tempo. The frontcourt duo of Filip Petrušev and Mfiondu Kabengele set the tone early, combining for 13 of Dubai’s first 18 points and helping the team establish a commanding double-digit lead. Dubai’s offensive strategy emphasized efficiency over volume, with the team refraining from attempting a three-pointer until the closing minute of the first half, when McKinley Wright IV confidently sank one from distance. By then, Dubai had already built a solid foundation with 12 made shots inside the arc. The third quarter saw Petrušev dominate with 12 points, while Dwayne Bacon relentlessly attacked the rim, drawing contact and creating high-percentage opportunities. Despite Barcelona’s attempts to close the gap, Dubai maintained composure and extended their lead with timely three-pointers from Davis Bertans and Klemen Prepelič. In the final moments, Bacon and Petrušev sealed the victory with crucial baskets. Petrušev led all scorers with 23 points, while Bacon added 20, and Kabengele contributed a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds. Dubai’s next matchup is scheduled for Sunday, 19 October, against ABA League newcomers U-BT Cluj at the Coca-Cola Arena. Tickets are available on the venue’s official website.
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New cricket format: Test Twenty launched; rules, global selection explained
Cricket is set to embrace a groundbreaking evolution with the introduction of Test Twenty, a hybrid format that merges the strategic depth of Test cricket with the fast-paced intensity of T20. Scheduled for its global debut in 2026, the Junior Test Twenty Championship will serve as the inaugural platform for this innovative format, exclusively targeting young players aged 13 to 19. The tournament will feature six founding franchises, equally divided between international and Indian teams, co-owned by a new generation of icons, including the offspring of legendary cricketers, actors, and entrepreneurs.
Test Twenty introduces an 80-over format, with each team playing two innings of 20 overs. Matches will be completed in a single day, offering outcomes of win, loss, tie, or draw. In case of a tie, a super over will determine the winner, while a draw requires the batting team to retain at least five wickets until the final ball. The format also incorporates unique rules such as a Powerplay option, a follow-on clause, and an early collapse penalty, alongside advanced AI-driven player selection processes.
Cricket luminaries like AB de Villiers, Matthew Hayden, and Harbhajan Singh have endorsed the format, praising its potential to nurture young talent on a global stage. The selection process will involve both direct and standard entry routes, leveraging AI-powered scouting engines and city trials to identify the top 300 players for the Global Auction Pool. From there, six franchises will draft 96 players, with the remaining forming a Wildcard Pool.
Test Twenty aims to redefine cricket’s future by blending tradition with innovation, offering a unique platform for young athletes to showcase their skills while maintaining the sport’s core essence.
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Malaysia soccer federation suspends senior official in fallout from FIFA cheating accusations
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has taken decisive action by suspending its secretary general, Noor Azman Rahman, following allegations by FIFA that the country fielded ineligible players in a 2027 Asian Cup qualifier. The controversy stems from falsified documentation involving the players’ grandparents, which led to FIFA suspending seven overseas-born players and imposing a $438,000 fine on FAM. The incident occurred during a June match where Malaysia triumphed over Vietnam with a 4-0 victory.
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Ice hockey player Carter Hart to join Golden Knights after sexual assault acquittal
Carter Hart, one of five ice hockey players acquitted of sexual assault charges in Canada, has inked a new contract with the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League (NHL). The players, all members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior Championship gold-medal team, were accused of assaulting a woman, referred to as EM, in a hotel room in Ontario. Following an eight-week trial that garnered significant public attention, the players were cleared of all charges in July. Hart, 27, is the first among the acquitted players to secure an NHL contract since the league ruled that they could not join teams before October 15 or participate in games until December as part of a reinstatement process. Speaking at a press conference, Hart expressed his excitement to return to the sport, stating, ‘It’s been a long road to get back to this point, to get back to playing the game of hockey, a game that I love.’ He added that he had ‘learned a lot’ during his time away from the game. The Vegas Golden Knights emphasized their commitment to organizational values in a statement on X, affirming their expectations for players to uphold these standards. Meanwhile, Michael McLeod, another acquitted player, signed a three-year deal with Avangard Omsk of Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League last week, while the remaining three players remain unsigned. The trial centered on whether EM, who was 20 at the time, had consented to all sexual acts that occurred in the hotel room. While EM testified that she was intoxicated and fearful, the judge ruled that her evidence was not credible or reliable, leading to the acquittals. The case has sparked significant scrutiny of Hockey Canada, which faced a parliamentary probe, lost sponsors, and had its federal funding frozen after it was revealed that the organization had quietly settled with the alleged victim in 2022. The NHL also condemned the players’ conduct, stating that it ‘did not meet the highest level of moral integrity.’
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South Africa thumps Sri Lanka in rain-affected Women’s Cricket World Cup match
In a rain-interrupted Women’s Cricket World Cup match on Friday, South Africa secured a commanding 10-wicket victory against Sri Lanka, inching closer to the semifinals. The game, held in Colombo, saw South Africa chase down a revised target of 121 runs in just 14.5 overs, finishing at 125 without loss. Captain Laura Wolvaardt led the charge with a swift 60 off 47 balls, while Tazmin Brits remained unbeaten with 55 off 42 deliveries, marking their fourth consecutive win in the tournament. Sri Lanka, opting to bat first, struggled to build momentum, posting 105-7 in 20 overs after a lengthy rain delay. The match was initially paused for over five hours, reducing the game to a 20-over contest. Despite the interruption, South Africa’s aggressive batting and Sri Lanka’s bowling challenges, exacerbated by the wet ball, sealed the outcome. Sri Lanka’s Vishmi Gunaratne, who was injured early in the game, returned to top-score with 34 runs. South Africa now sits second in the standings, trailing only Australia, while Sri Lanka remains winless. The tournament continues on Saturday with Pakistan facing New Zealand in Colombo.
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Pressure mounts on UK police force to reverse decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from Villa game
In a decision that has sparked widespread criticism, West Midlands Police in Birmingham, England, have banned Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending the Europa League match against Aston Villa on November 6, citing security concerns. The move has drawn condemnation from political leaders, sports organizations, and Jewish groups, who argue that it undermines the spirit of inclusivity in football. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeled the decision as “the wrong decision,” emphasizing that the police’s role is to ensure all fans can enjoy the game without fear of violence or intimidation. Simon Foster, the elected official overseeing the local police force, has called for an “immediate review” of the ban. Aston Villa, the Premier League club hosting the match, stated that police expressed concerns about public safety outside the stadium and their ability to manage potential protests. West Midlands Police justified the ban by citing “current intelligence and previous incidents,” including violent clashes involving Maccabi fans during a match against Ajax in Amsterdam last season. While fan bans are rare in European football, they are typically imposed due to a history of violence between rival clubs, which is not the case here. However, Maccabi fans have faced increased scrutiny in recent years, partly due to tensions linked to the Gaza conflict. The upcoming match at Villa Park will be Maccabi’s first away game in the Europa League since pro-Palestinian protests occurred during their match against PAOK in Greece on September 24. UEFA, European football’s governing body, has urged British authorities to ensure Maccabi fans can attend the match, emphasizing the importance of a safe and welcoming environment. Maccabi Tel Aviv CEO Jack Angelides expressed dismay, suggesting the ban could signal a more sinister issue of antisemitism. Emily Damari, a British Israeli dual national and Maccabi supporter, condemned the decision, calling it “outrageous” and contrary to the unifying nature of football. The controversy highlights the delicate balance between security concerns and the principles of inclusivity and fairness in sports.
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Naomi Osaka is out of the Japan Open quarterfinals with a left leg injury
OSAKA, Japan — Tennis star Naomi Osaka was forced to withdraw from her quarterfinal match at the Japan Open on Friday due to a left leg injury, paving the way for Jaqueline Cristian to advance to the semifinals via walkover. The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) confirmed the development, marking Cristian’s third semifinal appearance this year and her first on a non-clay surface. Osaka, the tournament’s top seed, had been struggling with the injury sustained during her second-round match against Suzan Lamens. Despite the setback, Osaka managed to secure victories over Wakana Sonobe and Lamens earlier in the tournament. During her match against Lamens, Osaka took a commanding 5-0 lead in the third set but abruptly halted play after experiencing discomfort in her left leg. She returned to the court with her thigh wrapped but ultimately closed out the match on her third match point. This withdrawal adds to a challenging season for Osaka, who recently exited in the second rounds of both the China Open and the Wuhan Open. Meanwhile, in another quarterfinal match, 2021 U.S. Open finalist Leylah Fernandez triumphed over Rebecca Šramková with a 7-6 (2), 6-3 victory, continuing her strong performance in the tournament.
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Former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton found hanged at home
The boxing world is in mourning following the tragic death of former world champion Ricky Hatton, who was found hanged at his home in Greater Manchester. The 46-year-old, affectionately known as the ‘Hitman,’ was discovered unresponsive on September 14 by his manager, Paul Speak. An inquest into his death was opened at Manchester South Coroner’s Court, where the provisional cause of death was confirmed as hanging. Hatton, a two-time world champion in the light-welterweight and welterweight divisions, was last seen by his family on September 12, appearing to be in good spirits. However, he failed to attend a scheduled event the following day, prompting his manager to check on him. Hatton was set to travel to Dubai for a professional bout in December, marking his return to the ring. The inquest has been adjourned until March 20, 2026. Hatton’s funeral last week drew thousands of mourners, including prominent figures from sports and entertainment such as Liam Gallagher, Wayne Rooney, and Tyson Fury. Hatton had been open about his struggles with mental health, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts following his retirement in 2012. His untimely death has left the boxing community and fans worldwide in shock.
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DRC announces partners for 2025-26 Dubai Racing Carnival
The Dubai Racing Club (DRC) has officially announced its lineup of partners for the 2025-26 Dubai Racing Carnival, set to commence on November 7, 2025. This prestigious event, renowned for its thrilling horse racing and glamorous social gatherings, will feature a host of prominent sponsors and collaborators. Emirates Airline, a long-standing supporter, will headline the opening night and lend its name to the highly anticipated Emirates Super Saturday on February 28, 2026. Longines, another key partner, returns to sponsor the iconic ‘Fashion Friday’ fixture on January 23, 2026. Other major sponsors include Nakheel, DP World, Azizi Developments, Al Tayer Motors, and Emaar, the latter of which will once again support the beloved Style Stakes fashion competition at the Dubai World Cup on March 28, 2026. The DRC also welcomes new event and media partners such as Binghatti, ARN, Zoho, Khaleej Times, CNN, and Phi Advertising. Ali Al Ali, CEO and Board Member of the Dubai Racing Club, expressed gratitude to all partners, emphasizing their crucial role in delivering world-class racing and entertainment. The 2025-26 Dubai Racing Carnival will span 16 days, culminating in the 30th edition of the Dubai World Cup, one of the most spectacular race days globally.