Israeli forward to sit out La Liga clash over security concerns
Barcelona, Oct 20: Israel forward Shon Weissman has not travelled with Granada for its Spanish league game at Osasuna on Friday due to what the club says are security concerns, according to a club official. The Granada official confirmed Spanish media reports that Weissman had not gone with his teammates to Pamplona for security reasons. The official, who spoke anonymously since he was not authorized to comment publicly on the issue, would not confirm if the recommendation came from the club’s own security service or from government authorities. Spanish media reports that authorities were worried about a potentially hostile atmosphere created by Osasuna supporters who have allegedly been angered by social media posts made by Weissman regarding the violence in the Gaza Strip since the attack by Hamas into Israeli territory on October 7. (AP)
Tonali available for Newcastle
despite betting probe in Italy
Newcastle, Oct 20: Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali will be available to play Saturday despite the Italy international being involved in a betting investigation in his home country. Tonali, who joined Newcastle from AC Milan in the off-season, has met with prosecutors in Turin and could face a lengthy ban. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said Friday that the 23-year-old Tonali has trained twice this week with the team and could play Saturday when Crystal Palace visits St. James’ Park. (AP)
Bayern not to sanction Noussair Mazraoui for pro-Palestinian posts
Munich, Oct 20: Bayern Munich has decided not to sanction Noussair Mazraoui after the Morocco right back expressed support for Palestinians on social media. The German club said Friday that it had a “detailed and clarifying conversation with Noussair Mazraoui this week” after the 25-year-old player reportedly shared several posts on Instagram in support of Palestinians and against terrorism, hate and violence. “Mazraoui has credibly assured us that as a peace-loving person he resolutely rejects terror and war and he never meant to cause any irritation with his posts,” Bayern chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen said. “FC Bayern condemns Hamas’ attack on Israel.” Bayern quoted Mazraoui as saying, “I condemn all terrorism and terrorist organizations.” The club said it “stands by Germany’s Jewish community and by Israel’s side; nothing justifies the murder of children and families.” Bayern’s decision not to suspend Mazraoui stands in contrast to league rival Mainz, which suspended Dutch forward Anwar El Ghazi for what it said was an “unacceptable” social media post about the Israel-Hamas war. (AP)
Rs 10 lakh award each for Odisha athletes in Asian Para Games
Bhubaneswar, Oct 20: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday announced a cash incentive of Rs 10 lakh each for the seven athletes from Odisha who will be participating in the Asian Para Games in China’s Hangzhou. Among these seven athletes is paralympic gold medallist Pramod Bhagat, a badminton player. In the previous edition of the Asian Para Games held in Jakarta, Bhagat secured a bronze in men’s doubles. The others are track & field athlete Jayanti Behera, visually impaired chess player Soundarya Kumar Pradhan, and wheelchair fencing players Rakhal Kumar Sethi, V Ramesh Rao, Prafulla Kumar Khandayatray and Pujaswini Nayak. (PTI)