Algerian judoka sent home from Olympics after refusing to compete against Israeli

• ‘Palestinian cause is bigger than all of this,’ says Fethi Nourine
• Athlete and his coach suspended by International Judo Federation

An Algerian judoka has been suspended and sent home after withdrawing from the Tokyo Olympics when his draw set him on course to compete against an Israeli.

Speaking before his suspension, Fethi Nourine, a competitor in the men’s under-73kg division, said that his political support for the Palestinian cause made it impossible for him to compete against Israeli Tohar Butbul, who he was due to meet in the second round.

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from The Guardian https://ift.tt/3BA5B7d