Algerian athlete sent home for refusing Israeli bout

An Algerian judo athlete will be sent home from the Olympics after he withdrew from the competition to avoid potentially facing an Israeli opponent. Fethi Nourine and his coach, Amar Benikhlef, told Algerian media they were withdrawing to avoid a possible second-round matchup with Israel’s Tohar Butbul in the men’s 73 kg division. “We have worked hard to qualify for the Games, but the Palestinian cause is bigger,’’ Nourine said.