The cancellation of the highly anticipated derby match between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Tel Aviv on Sunday has sparked widespread outrage, with eyewitnesses attributing the violence to politically motivated actions by the Israeli police. Sources, including sports analysts, local residents, and fans, have pointed to a significant escalation in police brutality since the appointment of ultranationalist Itamar Ben Gvir as National Security Minister in 2022. This incident has drawn attention to the broader political climate in Israel, where the government’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank have intensified scrutiny on domestic football. Maccabi Tel Aviv fans, already under fire for their controversial behavior during European matches, were initially blamed for the violence. However, witnesses and journalists have countered that the police instigated the clashes, leading to injuries among civilians and officers. Videos and photographs depict shocking scenes of police brutality, including the use of force against children and fans. The incident has highlighted the deep political divisions within Israeli society, with Hapoel Tel Aviv, historically associated with the left, bearing the brunt of the violence. Critics argue that the police, emboldened by Ben Gvir’s leadership, are increasingly targeting dissent. The cancellation of the match has reignited debates about the role of politics in sports and the growing tensions within Israeli football.
分类： sports
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Briton Okolie to headline ‘historic’ card in Nigeria
British heavyweight boxer Lawrence Okolie is poised to make history as he headlines a major boxing event in Lagos, Nigeria, on December 19, 2025. The former cruiserweight world champion, whose parents were born in Nigeria, will compete in his first professional bout on African soil, marking a significant milestone in his career and for the sport in the region. The event, co-promoted by Queensberry’s Frank Warren and Amir Khan, aims to showcase the growing potential of boxing in Africa, one of the sport’s emerging markets. While Okolie’s opponent remains unconfirmed, the undercard features fellow Londoner David Adeleye and undefeated German heavyweight Emanuel Odiase, promising an action-packed night of boxing. This event coincides with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, which is reportedly planning a show in Ghana on December 20, with rumors of Anthony Joshua potentially fighting in either Ghana or Nigeria early next year. Okolie, with a record of 22 wins, 16 stoppages, and one loss, expressed his excitement, calling it a ‘historic moment for Africa, my family, and my career.’ Amir Khan, head of AK Promotions, emphasized the event’s significance in inspiring the next generation of African fighters, stating, ‘Lagos is about to witness something special.’ The event underscores the increasing collaboration between British promoters and African boxing talent, further solidifying Africa’s place on the global boxing stage.
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Pakistan out after rain-hit defeat by South Africa
In a rain-affected match at the ICC Women’s World Cup in Colombo, South Africa delivered a commanding performance to eliminate Pakistan from the tournament. The Proteas posted a formidable total of 312-9 in their 40 overs, thanks to stellar contributions from Laura Wolvaardt (90), Sune Luus (61), and Nadine de Klerk (41 off 16 balls). Pakistan, faced with a revised target of 234 in 20 overs due to multiple rain interruptions, struggled to 83-7, handing South Africa a 150-run victory via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. The win propelled South Africa to the top of the table, while Pakistan joined Bangladesh in being eliminated with a game to spare. Despite weather disruptions, South Africa showcased their batting depth and resilience, with Wolvaardt and Luus laying a solid foundation and Marizanne Kapp (3-20) leading the bowling attack. Pakistan’s hopes of advancing to the semi-finals were dashed as they failed to overcome the Proteas’ dominance. South Africa now look ahead to their final group match against Australia with confidence, having already secured a semi-final berth.
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PGA Tour heads to Utah as South Korea hosts tournaments for LPGA and European Tour
The global golf scene is buzzing with excitement as major tournaments across the PGA, LPGA, and European Tours unfold. The PGA Tour’s Bank of Utah Championship, held at the Black Desert Resort in Ivins, Utah, boasts a $6 million purse, with the winner taking home $1.08 million. The event features top players like Alex Noren and Maverick McNealy, both ranked within the world’s top 20. This marks the tournament’s second year, now with a title sponsor, and showcases a challenging 7,421-yard course designed by the late Tom Weiskopf. Defending champion Matt McCarty, who triumphed in 2024, returns to defend his title. Meanwhile, the LPGA Tour’s Hanwha Lifeplus International Crown in Goyang, South Korea, brings together seven countries and a ‘rest of the world’ team for a thrilling fourball competition. With a $2 million prize pool, the winning team will earn $500,000. Notable players like Lydia Ko and Brooke Henderson add to the event’s prestige, though Nelly Korda’s withdrawal due to injuries is a setback. On the European Tour, the Genesis Championship in Cheonan, South Korea, offers a $4 million purse, with the winner claiming $666,667. This event is crucial for players vying to qualify for the Race to Dubai’s final tournaments. Stars like Hideki Matsuyama and Adam Scott are in the field, adding to the competition’s intensity. Across the globe, other tours, including the PGA Tour Champions, Asian Tour, and Ladies European Tour, are also in full swing, showcasing golf’s universal appeal and the sport’s top talent.
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Broken jaws and smashed records – Mooney eyes more glory
Beth Mooney, a cornerstone of Australia’s dominant women’s cricket team, has faced adversity with unwavering determination. In January 2022, she suffered severe facial injuries during a net session when a delivery from coach Matthew Mott fractured her jaw. Despite the setback, Mooney returned to the field just ten days later, playing a pivotal role in Australia’s Ashes victory. Her resilience is emblematic of her career, which boasts four World Cups, a Commonwealth Games gold medal, and three Ashes series triumphs. Earlier this year, she became the first Australian woman to score a century in all three formats of the game. Mooney’s humility shines through in a team brimming with stars like Ellyse Perry and Alyssa Healy. She prefers to stay out of the limelight, focusing on her contributions to the team’s success. Her ability to thrive under pressure was evident in the recent World Cup match against Pakistan, where she rescued Australia from a precarious position of 76-7. Mooney’s work ethic is unparalleled, as demonstrated in the 2025 Women’s Ashes, where she scored 94 runs, including 54 non-boundary runs, a record for an Australian in T20 cricket. She attributes her success to relentless hard work and a commitment to continuous improvement. Mooney’s journey is a testament to the values of perseverance and teamwork that define Australian cricket.
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Blue Jays set up World Series meeting with Dodgers
The Toronto Blue Jays have clinched their first World Series appearance since 1993 after a thrilling victory over the Seattle Mariners in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series. Trailing 3-1, outfielder George Springer delivered a game-changing three-run home run in the seventh inning, propelling the Blue Jays to a 4-3 series win. The only Canadian franchise in Major League Baseball (MLB) will now face the defending champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, in the highly anticipated ‘Fall Classic.’
Springer, a key player in the Houston Astros’ 2017 World Series triumph, expressed his elation, stating, ‘I’m just so happy for our team, our city, our country. This is such an unbelievable moment.’ With 23 post-season home runs, Springer now ranks third in MLB history, trailing only Manny Ramirez (29) and Jose Altuve (27). Blue Jays manager John Schneider praised Springer’s clutch performance, calling it ‘October magic.’
The Mariners, who led the series 2-0 and 3-2, remain the only MLB franchise never to reach the World Series. Manager Dan Wilson acknowledged the disappointment but commended his team’s efforts, saying, ‘It’s a special team. It’s a shame that we had to come out on the wrong side of this one.’
The Blue Jays, who previously won the World Series in 1992 and 1993, will host the Dodgers in Game 1 on Friday, marking a historic return to the championship stage.
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Can you name every team in the NBA in 10 minutes?
The highly anticipated NBA season is set to commence on Tuesday, October 21, at 00:30 BST on Wednesday, October 22. This marks the beginning of an exciting journey for all 30 teams across North America, each vying for the coveted championship title. To celebrate the start of the season, we invite you to test your basketball knowledge by taking on the challenge of naming every team in the NBA. You have just 10 minutes to complete this quiz—good luck! This quiz is part of our ongoing series of sports challenges, which also includes naming every Champions League winner, identifying the Faithfuls in our Traitors-inspired quiz, and listing every NFL team in 10 minutes. If you enjoy testing your sports knowledge, visit our dedicated sports quizzes page and sign up for notifications to receive the latest quizzes directly on your device.
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What’s on this Week: Golf action heats up as countdown to DP World Tour Finals begins
As the 2025 golf season approaches its grand finale, the DP World Tour is set to witness a thrilling conclusion with the Genesis Championship in South Korea marking the last event of the ‘Back 9’ Series. This tournament is pivotal for players aiming to secure their positions in the top 70 of the Race to Dubai, ensuring their advancement to the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. The stakes are high, with the top 50 players from the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship earning their spot in the prestigious Dubai event.
Tommy Fleetwood, fresh off his victory at the DP World India Championship, has surged 69 places to 25th in the Race to Dubai, making him a key contender in the upcoming tournaments. The competition is fierce, with players vying not only for tour cards but also for dual PGA Tour and DP World Tour status, a coveted achievement for the top ten players.
In South Korea, the Genesis Championship will feature 90 DP World Tour players alongside 36 KPGA participants, promising a showcase of top-tier golf. Meanwhile, the Asian Tour is set to host the $2 million International Series Philippines, attracting a star-studded lineup including Kevin Na, Richard Bland, and Dustin Johnson, among others.
The global golf calendar is packed with action, including the Bank of Utah Championship on the PGA Tour, the Hanwha LIFEPLUS International Crown on the LPGA, and the Wistrom Ladies Open on the Ladies European Tour. Each event offers substantial purses, reflecting the high stakes and intense competition as the season draws to a close.
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Momentum builds ahead of ‘Players Auction’ for Ultimate Golf Challenge Season 3
The Ultimate Golf Challenge (UGC) is gearing up for its highly anticipated Season 3, with momentum building ahead of the ‘Players Auction’ scheduled for December 5, 2025. This unique amateur golf tournament, branded as a first-of-its-kind concept in the UAE, continues to captivate the region’s golfing community with its blend of sport and sophistication. Season 3 promises to be bigger and better, featuring 160 players—up from 140 in the previous season—who will form 10 teams of 16 players each. The tournament will unfold across four iconic UAE golf courses, including Saadiyat Island Golf Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates – Earth Course, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, and Emirates Golf Club – Faldo Course. UGC Commissioner Kunal Seth expressed excitement about the growing interest, noting the perfect mix of returning players and fresh talent. The Players Auction will see team principals and mentors bidding to secure players for their squads, with eight players acquired via auction and eight retained from last season. Registration closes on December 1, 2025, with an entry fee of AED 450. Eligibility criteria include a valid EGF handicap, UAE residency for at least six months, and availability for at least one tournament day. The tournament will celebrate top teams, outstanding individuals, daily brilliance awards, and the best lady golfer, reaffirming its status as one of the UAE’s most prestigious amateur golf events.
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Dubai’s Dominic Foos clinches SJM Macao Open in thrilling sudden-death playoff
German golfer Dominic Foos emerged victorious in a nail-biting sudden-death playoff at the SJM Macao Open, securing the $1 million title on the Asian Tour. Foos, who has spent much of his career in Dubai, defeated Chinese-Taipei’s Wang Wei-hsuan on the second playoff hole with a clutch 10-foot birdie putt. This marked the sixth playoff in the tournament’s history and showcased Foos’ resilience after a challenging period in his career. Foos finished with a 72-hole total of 263, 17 under par, earning a $180,000 prize. The win propels him to 15th place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, securing his Tour card for the next two years. Foos expressed gratitude to his family, friends, and mentor Dr. Bernd Kramski for their unwavering support during tough times. The victory comes as a significant milestone for Foos, who had struggled to maintain his position on the Tour. Attention now shifts to the inaugural International Series Philippines, featuring a star-studded field including Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, and Louis Oosthuizen.