Sports
Freed hostage laments Israeli fans being barred from UK soccer game over concerns of pro-Palestinian protests
Israel-Hamas ceasefire continues to hold amid fragility
Former Navy SEAL and GOP Senate candidate Jared Hudson says President Donald Trump’s Middle East policy is a fresh change of pace from past ‘neocon’ administrations that perpetuated forever wars on ‘The Story with Martha MacCallum.’
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
British-Israeli woman Emily Damari, who was released from Hamas captivity in January, spoke out about being barred from an upcoming soccer game in England involving her favorite team, Maccabi Tel Aviv.
The team’s English opponent, Aston Villa, announced that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans will not be allowed to attend the upcoming Europa League game in Birmingham, England, on Nov. 6 over safety concerns amid frequent pro-Palestinian protests.
So Damari is not able to watch.
“I was released from Hamas captivity in January and I am a die hard fan of Maccabi Tel Aviv. I am shocked to my core with this outrageous decision to ban me, my family and my friends from attending an Aston Villa game in the UK. Football is a way of bringing people together irrespective of their faith, colour or religion and this disgusting decision does the exact opposite. Shame on you. I hope you come to your senses and reconsider,” Damari wrote on X.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Emily Damari, a British-Israeli ex-hostage of Hamas, attends her first Tottenham soccer game since being released during a Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Crystal Palace FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London May 11. (Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images)
People walk toward Israeli military helicopters as Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari, three female hostages who have been held in Gaza since the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, return to Israel Jan. 19, 2025. (Reuters/Amir Cohen)
“I do wonder what exactly has become of British society, this is like putting a big sign on the outside of a stadium saying ‘No Jews allowed’ What has become of the UK where blatant antisemitism has become the norm? What a sad world we are living in.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the police recommendation to bar the visiting team’s fans from the Nov. 6 game was “the wrong decision” and that “the role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation.”
Starmer spokesman Geraint Ellis said Friday that “the prime minister has been angered by the decision” and the government was working urgently to overturn it.
Simon Foster, the elected official in Birmingham responsible for overseeing the local police force and holding it to account, also urged an “immediate review,” while local Mayor Richard Parker called on authorities to find “a workable solution” that may involve the government covering some policing costs.
CRUZ SLAMS UN’S ISRAEL ‘GENOCIDE’ CHARGE, PUSHES FOR CONSEQUENCES
Fans of Maccabi Tel Aviv light flares and chant slogans ahead of a UEFA Europa League soccer match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Nov. 7, 2024. (Mouneb Taim/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Maccabi Tel Aviv FC supporters were reportedly the target of violence in Amsterdam before and during the soccer team’s match against Ajax last year. More than a dozen people have already been charged in the violence, and several have already been convicted after a series of violent overnight incidents.
Pro-Palestinian protesters have been a common fixture at Maccabi Tel Aviv games in 2025.
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s upcoming match against Aston Villa will be the team’s first away game in the Europa League since pro-Palestinian protests took place at the stadium in Thessaloniki, Greece, against PAOK on Sept. 24.
About 120 fans of the Israeli club traveled to Greece for that game and were held behind a police cordon before entering the venue.
Aston Villa released a statement addressing the decision.
“The club are in continuous dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the local authorities throughout this ongoing process, with the safety of supporters attending the match and the safety of local residents at the forefront of any decision,” the statement read.
Aston Villa’s ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans is just the latest example of restrictions placed on Israel’s sports teams and fans in recent months.
Supporters with Israeli flags queue outside the Stade de France ahead of a UEFA Nations League soccer match between France and Israel in Saint-Denis, France, Nov. 14, 2024. (Michel Stoupak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The Indonesian government denied the Israelis visas to enter the country for the upcoming 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta, which begins Sunday.
The Israel Premier Tech cycling team has been excluded from an upcoming race in Italy, the Giro dell’Emilia, scheduled for Oct. 4, over potentially disruptive pro-Palestinian protests.
The UEFA Europa League, Europe’s biggest soccer body, was reportedly moving toward a vote to suspend Israel over the war in Gaza in September.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced no action would be taken against the team on Oct. 3. He reportedly later met privately at FIFA headquarters with the leader of the Palestinian soccer federation, Jibril Rajoub, and praised his organization “for their resilience at this time,” per The Associated Press.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
President Donald Trump oversaw the historic ceasefire between Israel and Hamas last week.
As part of the ceasefire, Hamas released the remaining 20 living hostages held in Gaza, while Israel released nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Cricket’s return to the Olympic Games after 128 years reached an “important milestone” Wednesday when construction began on the new Los Angeles 2028 cricket venue.
International Cricket Council (ICC ) Chairman Jay Shah and other officials took part in a ground-breaking ceremony on the Fairplex Grounds in Pomona, Los Angeles County.
“Our focus has been on expanding the footprint of cricket and being part of the Olympic movement is something that brings both pride and dreams with it,” said Shah.
“The groundbreaking marks an important milestone in cricket’s return to the Olympics and is a proud moment for all ICC members and stakeholders worldwide.”
ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta said the Games would be a significant step in expanding the game outside of its traditional heartlands.
“The momentum for our game has never been stronger, with strong participation growth across the world,” he said.
The inclusion of cricket at LA28 provides a platform to inspire more young people to take up the game, the ICC said, and broaden the fan base across continents, accelerating the game’s global growth.
Cricket at the Los Angeles Games will feature T20 competitions for both men’s and women’s teams.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
As the madness of March ends, the NBA postseason begins.
Let’s check out the odds for the first round of the playoffs, at DraftKings Sportsbook as of April 23.
This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.
EAST FIRST ROUND
No. 8 ORLANDO (+210) vs. No. 1 DETROIT (-255)
Tied 1-1
GAME 3 — DET @ ORL (April 25)
Spread: Pistons -2.5
Moneyline: Pistons -148, Magic +124
O/U: 213.5
What to know: Orlando got what it needed, splitting on Detroit’s home floor by winning Game 1. Will it take enough momentum back to its home arena? The Magic went 25-15 at home during the regular season and split two games against the Pistons in Orlando.
No. 7 PHILADELPHIA (+380) vs. No. 2 BOSTON (-500)
Tied 1-1
GAME 3 — BOS @ PHI (April 24)
Spread: Celtics -7.5
Moneyline: Celtics -298, 76ers +240
O/U: 215.5
What to know: Without Joel Embiid, the Sixers have a new dynamic duo in Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe. The two combined for 59 points in Philly’s Game 2 win, including 11 3-pointers.
No. 6 ATLANTA (+155) vs. No. 3 NEW YORK (-185)
Tied 1-1
GAME 3 — NYK @ ATL (April 23)
Spread: Hawks -1.5
Moneyline: Hawks -110, Hawks -110
O/U: 216.5
What to know: The first two games were decided by a combined 12 points. Hawks guard CJ McCollum has been dominant, averaging 29 points on almost 55% shooting.
No. 5 TORONTO (+900) vs. No. 4 CLEVELAND (-1600)
CLE leads 2-0
GAME 3 — CLE @ TOR (April 23)
Spread: Cavs -3.5
Moneyline: Cavs -155, Raptors +130
O/U: 219.5
What to know: Toronto just hasn’t been in this series so far, which is a bit surprising, considering it swept Cleveland in the regular season. Brandon Ingram isn’t helping the Raptors’ cause, averaging 12 points on 33.3% shooting through two games.
WEST FIRST ROUND
No. 8 PHOENIX (+6000) vs. No. 1 OKLAHOMA CITY (-20000)
OKC leads 2-0
GAME 3 — OKC @ PHX (April 25)
Spread: Thunder -9.5
Moneyline: Thunder -455, Suns +350
O/U: 215.5
What to know: This one is shaping up to be a blowout, but there is cause for concern in OKC, after Jalen Williams suffered a hamstring injury in Game 2. However, on the season, the Thunder went 39-10 without their second star.
No. 7 PORTLAND (+350) vs. No. 2 SAN ANTONIO (-475)
Tied 1-1
GAME 3 — SAS @ POR (April 24)
Spread: Spurs -1.5
Moneyline: Spurs -130, Blazers +110
O/U: 220.5
What to know: How long will Victor Wembanyama be out? He suffered a concussion in Game 2, and is in concussion protocol, which almost assures he will miss multiple games. The Spurs went 12-6 without Wemby this season.
No. 6 MINNESOTA (+190) vs. No. 3 DENVER (-230)
Tied 1-1
GAME 3 — DEN @ MIN (April 23)
Spread: Nuggets -2.5
Moneyline: Nuggets -135, Wolves +114
O/U: 233.5
What to know: After the Wolves stole Game 2 in Denver, Jaden McDaniels said the Nuggets were full of “bad defenders.” Now it’s getting spicy. Through two games, Rudy Gobert has done a good job on Nikola Jokić, who is averaging 24.5 points on 48.7% shooting, 14 rebounds and 9.5 assists through two games. Pedestrian numbers for the Joker. Jokić is also 3-for-14 from 3 in the series.
No. 5 HOUSTON (+115) vs. No. 4 LA LAKERS (-135)
LAL leads 2-0
GAME 3 — LAL @ HOU (April 24)
Spread: Rockets -9.5
Moneyline: Rockets -395, Lakers +310
O/U: 205.5
What to know: Houston was heavily favored coming into this series, considering Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves are injured. But Kevin Durant missed Game 1 for Houston, and then he saw unlimited double-teams in Game 2, which helped the Lakers take control of the series and win both games at home.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Fernando Mendoza is the biggest name, but not the only big name in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Let’s check out the Over/Under odds (at DraftKings Sportsbook as of April 22) for where some of the biggest names in this year’s draft might land.
This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.
Ty Simpson
Alabama — QB
Over 24.5: -270 (bet $10 to win $13.70 total)
Under 24.5: +195 (bet $10 to win $29.50 total)
What to know: Only two quarterbacks went in the first round last season, after the first three picks of the 2024 NFL Draft were QBs. The last Alabama QB to go in the first round was Bryce Young back in 2023, when he was selected No. 1 by the Panthers. Simpson is heavily favored (-2500) to be the second quarterback off the board in 2026.
Jeremiyah Love
Notre Dame — RB
Over 5.5: +275 (bet $10 to win $37.50 total)
Under 5.5: -400 (bet $10 to win $12.50 total)
What to know: The last time a running back went in the top five was back in 2018, when the Giants selected Saquon Barkley with the second overall pick. Ashton Jeanty went sixth to the Raiders last season.
Sonny Styles
Ohio State — LB
Over 5.5: -150 (bet $10 to win $16.67 total)
Under 5.5: +115 (bet $10 to win $21.50 total)
What to know: The last linebacker to go in the top five just so happens to be the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, Will Anderson Jr. He went to the Texans with the third pick in 2023. Now, Anderson mostly plays edge rusher for Houston.
Sonny Styles of Ohio State (Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Carnell Tate
Ohio State — WR
Over 7.5: -135 (bet $10 to win $17.41 total)
Under 7.5: +105 (bet $10 to win $20.50 total)
What to know: If you count Travis Hunter as a wide receiver, then two wide receivers went in the top 10 in 2025: Hunter to Jacksonville at No. 2, and Tetairoa McMillan to Carolina at No. 8. Three wideouts went in the top 10 in 2024: Marvin Harrison Jr. to Arizona at No. 4, Malik Nabers to the Giants at No. 6 and Rome Odunze to Chicago at No. 9. Tate is favored (-175) to be the first wide receiver to come off the board in 2026.
Jordyn Tyson
Arizona State — WR
Over 8.5: +140 (bet $10 to win $24.00 total)
Under 8.5: -185 (bet $10 to win $15.41 total)
What to know: Jordyn Tyson’s odds to be a top-10 pick in the NFL Draft opened at +400 in March. They have since surged to -500 for him to go inside the top 10.
Caleb Downs
Ohio State — S
Over 9.5: -115 (bet $10 to win $18.70 total)
Under 9.5: -115 (bet $10 to win $18.70 total)
What to know: No safety has gone top-10 in the NFL Draft since Jamal Adams went sixth to the Jets back in 2017. Minkah Fitzpatrick went 11th to the Dolphins in 2018. Malaki Starks was the first safety selected last season, going 27th to Baltimore.
Rueben Bain Jr.
Miami FL — DL
Over 8.5: -400 (bet $10 to win $12.50 total)
Under 8.5: +270 (bet $10 to win $37 total)
What to know: Defensive linemen always go in the top 10. Since 2013, only twice has the top 10 not featured a defensive lineman — back in 2021 and then again in 2024.
Rueben Bain Jr. of Miami (Photo by CFP/Getty Images)
Spencer Fano
Utah — OL
Over 10.5: +100 (bet $10 to win $20.00 total)
Under 10.5: -130 (bet $10 to win $17.69 total)
What to know: Fano is a close second choice to be the first offensive lineman drafted on Thursday at +110, just behind Francis Mauigoa, who leads the market at -125.
Makai Lemon
USC — WR
Over 14.5: -130 (bet $10 to win $17.69 total)
Under 14.5: +100 (bet $10 to win $20.00 total)
What to know: Lemon is expected to be the third wide receiver off the board, behind Tate and Tyson. He’ll look to follow in the footsteps of recent USC wide receivers Jordan Addison (2023) and Drake London (2022), who were both selected in the first round.
Olaivavega Ioane
Penn State — OL
Over 14.5: +225 (bet $10 to win $32.50 total)
Under 14.5: -310 (bet $10 to win $13.23 total)
What to know: Ioane has the fifth-best odds (+1800) to be the first offensive lineman selected. That said, he is still firmly expected to be a first-round pick.
Kenyon Sadiq
Oregon — TE
Over 15.5: -115 (bet $10 to win $18.70 total)
Under 15.5: -120 (bet $10 to win $18.33 total)
What to know: Colston Loveland (No. 10 to Chicago) and Tyler Warren (No. 14 to Indianapolis) both went in the top 15 last season. Brock Bowers went 13th to Las Vegas in 2024, and Kyle Pitts went fourth to Atlanta in 2021. In other words, the tight end position is on the rise when it comes to the first half of the first round. Sadiq is expected to be the first tight end off the board in 2026.
Kadyn Proctor
Alabama — OL
Over 16.5: +145 (bet $10 to win $24.50 total)
Under 16.5: -195 (bet $10 to win $15.13 total)
What to know: Proctor is the third choice (+950) to be the first offensive lineman drafted, behind Mauigoa (-125) and Fano (+110).
Dillon Thieneman
Oregon — S
Over 17.5: -215 (bet $10 to win $14.65 total)
Under 17.5: +155 (bet $10 to win $25.50 total)
What to know: Thieneman is heavily favored (-400) to be the second safety off the board, behind Downs. In 2025, only one safety was selected in the first round. That likely won’t be the case this year, with Thieneman expected to be selected in the middle of the first round.
Dillon Thieneman of Oregon (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Monroe Freeling
Georgia — OL
Over 19.5: +185 (bet $10 to win $28.50 total)
Under 19.5: -250 (bet $10 to win $14.00 total)
What to know: In 2025, eight offensive linemen were selected in the first round, and a similar number is expected in 2026, with Freeling projected to be among them.
Omar Cooper Jr.
Indiana — WR
Over 23.5: +120 (bet $10 to win $22.00 total)
Under: 23.5: -160 (bet to win $16.25 total)
What to know: Cooper is projected to be the fourth or fifth wide receiver selected. If he goes in the first round, he would become the first Indiana receiver drafted in the opening round since Thomas Lewis in 1994.
KC Concepcion
Texas A&M — WR
Over 24.5: +100 (bet $10 to win $20 total)
Under: 24.5: -130 (bet to win $17.69 total)
What to know: Counting Travis Hunter as a wide receiver, four total wide receivers were selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. In 2024, seven wide receivers went in the first round. This year, the line is set at 5.5 wide receivers selected in Round 1, with the over juiced to -165.
Akheem Mesidor
Miami FL — EDGE
Over 25.5: -105 (bet $10 to win $19.52 total)
Under 25.5: -125 (bet $10 to win $18.00 total)
What to know: Mesidor is expected to be the fourth or fifth edge rusher selected, behind Arvell Reese, David Bailey, and his college teammate Rueben Bain Jr. He and Auburn’s Keldric Faulk are likely next in line.
Denzel Boston
Washington — WR
Over 26.5: -125 (bet $10 to win $18.00 total)
Under 26.5: -105 (bet $10 to win $19.52 total)
What to know: Boston will look to follow in the footsteps of former Washington Huskies wide receivers Rome Odunze and John Ross, who were both selected in the first round. He is expected to be among the five or six wide receivers selected in this year’s first round.
Jermod McCoy
Tennessee — CB
Over 28.5: -150 (bet $10 to win $16.67 total)
Under: 28.5: +115 (bet to win $21.50 total)
What to know: After Mansoor Delane (-5000 to be the first cornerback selected), McCoy is tied with Colton Hood and Chris Johnson at +175 to be the second cornerback drafted. In 2025, three cornerbacks were selected in the first round.
Chris Johnson
San Diego State — CB
Over 32.5: +180 (bet $10 to win $28.00 total)
Under 32.5: -250 (bet $10 to win $14.00 total)
What to know: At the beginning of April, Chris Johnson’s odds to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft opened at +550. He is one of the fastest rising prospects and is now -250 to go in the first.
Canada forms new advisory committee to strengthen US trade relations
High street drug dealer sells cannabis to undercover reporter
Clearing Hormuz Strait mines could take six months: report
-
Fashion1 week agoFrance’s LVMH Q1 revenue falls 6%, shows resilience amid Iran war
-
Entertainment1 week agoIs Claude down? Here’s why users are seeing errors
-
Tech1 week agoThe Deepfake Nudes Crisis in Schools Is Much Worse Than You Thought
-
Sports1 week agoPSL 11: Peshawar Zalmi win toss, opt to field first against Quetta Gladiators
-
Tech1 week agoHuman-machine teaming dives underwater
-
Business1 week agoBP sees ‘exceptional’ oil trading result as Iran war sends crude costs soaring
-
Fashion1 week agoWhat no one is saying about the 2026 apparel slowdown
-
Business1 week agoStandard Life buys rival in £2b deal to create savings giant