Macklemore is making it clear that he won’t be curtailing his pro-Palestinian activism after being dropped as Ed Sheeran’s opener after making a ‘free Palestine‘ statement.

On Wednesday, the 43-year-old rapper announced that he would be donating $1 million – which he earned from Sheeran’s tour – to Palestinian aid groups.

Macklemore (real name: Benjamin Haggerty) also called out New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whom he has accused of conspiring with other stadium owners to get him blackballed from Sheeran’s tour, and challenged the billionaire to match his $1 million donation.

The tactic appears to have been successful, as shortly after Macklemore announced his donation on Instagram, the billionaire shared a statement on X announcing that he planned to match a $2 million donation from Sheeran.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Macklemore, Kraft and Sheeran’s representatives for comment but has not yet received a response. 

The latest development comes after Sheeran suffered massive blowback in the wake of Macklemore’s ouster as fans unfollowed him on social media in waves and every one of his remaining opening acts withdrew from his tour.

Macklemore has accused Robert Kraft of conspiring with other stadium owners to get him blackballed from Sheeran’s tour, and challenged the billionaire to match his donation

Sheeran has experienced massive blowback in the wake of Macklemore’s ouster as fans unfollowed him on social media andall of his remaining opening acts withdrew from his tour

In his post, Macklemore announced that he would be donating to six organizations serving Palestinians: Anera, Gaza Soup Kitchen, HEAL Palestine, Medical Aid for Palestinians, Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA USA).

‘With everything that has happened over the last 48 hours, I want to bring the conversation back to where it belongs: to the Palestinian people who are still being killed, still living under military occupation, and still fighting for their freedom,’ Macklemore began his statement on Instagram.

‘I will be donating the entire $1 million of my net earnings from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour to six organizations working directly to support the Palestinian people,’ he continued. ‘And I invite Robert Kraft to match my donation.

‘Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protecting,’ Macklemore stated. ‘A Palestinian life is no less valuable than any other life on this earth.’

Macklemore then tried to move the focus away from his professional setbacks to the people he hoped to help.

‘That is what this has always been about. Not me. Not a tour. Not the headlines or the controversy,’ he continued. It is about Palestinians’ right to freedom, dignity and safety in their homeland.’

He added that Palestinians living amid the destruction wrought by Israeli forces faced far greater setbacks and dangers than himself. 

‘I want to center the parents carrying their children into hospitals without the basic resources to treat them, and the physicians, paramedics, journalists and aid workers who keep going back in,’ Macklemore said. ‘I want to center the organizers and activists who have paid real costs for standing with Palestine. Their risk is of a far different order than mine.’

Macklemore announced his donation in a statement to Instagram. He said he would be donating his ‘net earnings from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour to six organizations working directly to support the Palestinian people’

He emphasized the importance of helping Palestinians by naming two Palestinians who were killed by Israeli strikes. Macklemore said that ‘writing a check’ was a simple form of solidarity, but he went on to caution that ‘aid alone’ could not solve the crisis affecting Palestinians

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He then warned his fans: ‘When the news cycle moves on, which it will, don’t move with it,’ and he concluded by stating: ‘Free Palestine’

‘Just yesterday, 15-year-old Muhammad al Zinati was killed in an Israeli strike while rushing to help aid worker Sherif Lubbad, who had already been injured,’ the performer wrote. ‘He was a child. Both were murdered. Both should be alive.’ 

Macklemore added that countless more Palestinians’ names might never be remembered, as their families may have been wiped out.

The Same Love rapper admitted that ‘Writing a check is one of the least costly forms of solidarity available to me.

‘I am doing it because I can, and because these organizations are doing the work while much of the world debates it.’ 

But he went on to caution that ‘aid alone’ could not solve the crisis affecting Palestinians.

‘This is a manmade injustice, and I believe it requires immediate political change. Palestinians have lived for decades without basic rights and should not have to wait another day to be free,’ Macklemore wrote. ‘That is where my focus will remain. I will continue to stand with the Palestinian people and their fight for liberation.’

He then warned his fans: ‘When the news cycle moves on, which it will, don’t move with it.’ 

Macklemore concluded his post by simply stating: ‘Free Palestine.’

‘Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protecting,’ Macklemore said in his statement. ‘A Palestinian life is no less valuable than any other life on this earth’; seen with Sheeran in 2013 in NYC

In just a few hours, Macklemore’s donation announcement on Instagram had garnered more than 1.8 million likes; seen on August 30 in France

The comments were overwhelmingly positive, with one fan writing, ‘This will go down in history and your grandchildren will remember this.’

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One fan wrote, ‘This is what a TRUE artist is [heart]. Power to the People,’ while others shared their ‘Respect’

‘You’re a superhero @Macklemore. Free Palestine,’ wrote another adoring fan

 One poster admitted that they ‘Didn’t know how bad the world needed Macklemore’

In just a few hours, Macklemore’s donation announcement on Instagram had garnered more than 1.8 million likes. 

The comments were overwhelmingly positive, with one fan writing, ‘This will go down in history and your grandchildren will remember this.’

‘You are the greatest hero,’ another Instagram user wrote, while one poster mused: ‘Imagine if our politicians had this integrity.’ 

One fan wrote, ‘This is what a TRUE artist is [heart]. Power to the People,’ while others shared their ‘Respect.’ 

‘You’re a superhero @Macklemore. Free Palestine,’ wrote another adoring fan. “

One poster admitted that they ‘Didn’t know how bad the world needed Macklemore.’ 

Shortly after the rapper announced his donation and urged Robert Kraft to match it, the New England Patriots owner shared a statement in which he vowed to donate $2 million, though he was more vague about where the money would be going.

Kraft also claimed that his plans to make the donation were not motivated by Macklemore’s statement, but were instead spurred on by a call from Sheeran. 

The tactic appears to have been successful, as shortly after Macklemore announced his donation on Instagram, the billionaire shared a statement on X announcing that he planned to make a $2 million donation

However, Kraft claimed that ‘before Macklemore challenged me to match his donation,’ Sheeran had called him to urge him to match his own $2million donation

‘I have dedicated much of my life to building bridges between all people,’ Kraft began his statement. ‘I believe deeply that all lives are worth protecting.

‘Earlier today, before Macklemore challenged me to match his donation, Ed called me and asked me to commit $2 million to match his donation to aid in the region to fight this humanitarian crisis,’ Kraft claimed. ‘Ed now plans to reach out to other venue owners and our goal is to continue to work together to build bridges.’ 

The billionaire businessman also said he had been supportive of efforts to help Palestinians over the years. 

‘In addition, I’d like the people who are speaking in support of the Palestinian people to know that for decades, I have supported efforts that create opportunity for Palestinians and have brought young Palestinians and Israelis together to build businesses, create jobs, and forge relationships,’ he said.

Notably, Kraft only said he would match Sheeran’s ‘donation to aid in the region to fight this humanitarian crisis,’ but he stopped short of specifying specific organizations that would be receiving money, and it’s unclear if such a broad descriptor would confine the donations to organizations helping Palestinians.

Macklemore and Kraft announced their donations just a day after Sheeran’s opening acts on his tour all dropped out in protest over Macklemore being removed from the live dates.

The rapper was due to open for Sheeran at eight of the remaining ten shows on his tour in America, which continues on Friday in Philadelphia, but on Tuesday it was announced that he had been dropped. 

The American rapper had faced a boycott petition to remove him after he delivered a politically motivated speech in support of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank during his performances at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on September 4 and 5. 

Ed Sheeran’s opening acts on his tour have all dropped out after Macklemore was kicked off the live dates following a ‘free Palestine’ speech; Sheeran is seen in December 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts

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Musician and Billie Eilish’s brother/music partner Finneas led the remaining acts who put out separate statements announcing that they will not continue with their dates on the stadium Loop Tour

Finneas is seen in LA back in November 2025

Sheeran has now lost his remaining support acts – Billie Eilish’s brother and music partner Finneas, his close friend Myles Smith, Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham and Beoga – who have all put out separate statements announcing that they will not continue with their dates on the LOOP Tour.

Responding with an Instagram statement after the news he had been dropped, Macklemore claimed that Sheeran told him billionaire Robert Kraft, whose company owns the Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts where Sheeran is set to play later this month, orchestrated the move after ‘rallying stadium owners and issuing an ultimatum.’

Later that day, Sheeran, 35, addressed the 43-year-old rapper being removed from the tour with his own statement, which said that Macklemore’s speech had upset the owners of venues they were set to play while reminding fans he will never personally take a publicly political stance. 

Finneas wrote: ‘Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed. I have decided to withdraw from my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people.’

And Irish singer Rowe took a strong stance as he wrote: ‘Ed has been a friend to me and has changed my life. I could never thank him enough for this.

‘But as Irish people, we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation.’

The Hey Ma hitmaker continued by saying he ‘cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up.’

The third support act who pulled out was the group Lukas Graham who wrote: ‘We should be able to speak about war, about civilians being killed, about children who deserve to grow up. Wherever they live. Whatever flag flies over them.’

Aaron Rowe, Lukas Graham, and Beoga also put out statements on Instagram Tuesday announcing that they are pulling out of the remaining concert dates

Irish singer Rowe took a strong stance (he is pictured in England in June 2025)

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Lukas Graham said that their upbringing in a small Denmark community made it so speaking your mind was part of every day life and having more money did not invalidate one’s opinions

Danish soul pop band Lukas Graham is pictured 

Lastly, Irish band Beoga, who actually join Sheeran during Galway Girl on stage, also revealed that they are removing themselves from the tour

Beoga is pictured as they revealed they have been friends with Sheeran for over a decade

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Lukas Graham said that their upbringing in a small Danish community made it so speaking your mind was part of everyday life and having more money did not invalidate one’s opinions.

The group concluded by saying: ‘I love Ed, and I’m grateful for everything we’ve shared. That hasn’t changed. But I can’t put these words out into the world and carry on with this tour as things stand.

‘I’m sorry we won’t be there. This is a difficult decision but it’s one I need to stand by.’

Irish band Beoga, who actually join Sheeran during Galway Girl on stage, also revealed that they are removing themselves from the tour.

They wrote: ‘We have been friends with Ed for over 10 years now and will continue to be.

‘Playing to those crowds every night is the stuff of dreams but to play in venues that silence anyone advocating for a Free Palestine is simply not an option for us.’

Beoga also showed their solidarity for Macklemore as they echoed his sentiments by writing: ‘The whole episode is once again serving to distract from the real issue, over 1000 Palestinians have been killed since the most recent so-called ceasefire.’

Sheeran’s friend Myles Smith, who previously supported him on his 2025 tour,  released a statement on Wednesday morning, telling fans: ‘For everyone asking me to drop out of Ed’s tour, let’s get something straight: I’m not on that tour anymore.’

Whilst Smith confirmed he had dropped out he went on to voice his support for Sheeran, insisting ‘Ed it not the victim here. Palestinians are. But let’s not get confused: Ed it also not the perpetrator.’

‘I need to be very clear about Ed. He is my friend. Not an industry friend. A real one. And there is no pressure, no trend, no headline and no comment section that will make me turn on him or hang him out to dry.’

‘Supporting Palestinian life, safety and freedom does not require me to betray someone I know to be a good human being. It requires me to keep the focus where it belongs: on the people suffering, and on the people with the power to stop it.’ 

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Sheeran’s friend Myles Smith, who previously supported him on his 2025 tour, released a statement on Wednesday morning, telling fans he was no longer on the tour 

Smith highlighted his background ‘working in a home with Holocaust survivors, spending time with the Jewish community and hearing stories of bravery, survival, loss and humanity from people who had lived through things most of us only read about.

‘I’ve also spent my life around Muslim friends and families, spend time in mosques, celebrated Eid throughout my youth and grown up in Luton: a working-class, proudly multicultural, predominantly ethnic minority town where Island and Muslim culture were part of the beauty and fabric of everyday life.’

‘Neither of those experiences taught me to sit on the fence. They taught me to be human.’

He ended his lengthy statement by saying: ‘My career has been my dream since I was a little boy, and I know I’m still on that journey. But if it means risking parts of that dream to bring awareness, compassion and rationale to this subject, then so be it.

‘I cannot live in a world where children are not even allowed to have dreams because of the terrifying world they were born into.’ 

The Daily Mail has reached out to Sheeran’s representatives for comment on the acts resigning from the tour and has yet to hear back.

It remains uncertain how the LOOP Tour will proceed with zero openers scheduled and 18 dates still set through the end of the year.  

Sheeran broke his silence on Macklemore on Tuesday. The singer, who is a father of two, said that his audience is often young people ‘from different backgrounds,’ who do not expect his shows to be a political forum.

Sheeran assured his followers that Macklemore’s removal would not affect his tour, as he told them ‘I would never let down the fans who had made plans’.

In his reaction, which came two days after Macklemore’s own statement, he said: ‘I am appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine. 

‘The suffering and pain caused on both sides is a human tragedy. There are too many wars across the world causing immeasurable pain, none of which should be tolerated.

‘Macklemore asked to join my tour last year and I agreed, because I respect him as an artist. As with all my support acts, I agree that they play a setlist of their choosing.

‘After Macklemore’s performances at my New Jersey shows, venues on my upcoming tour dates communicated that they would pull the shows if he was still supporting.’ 

Sheeran continued by explaining that he had tried to find a resolution so that Macklemore could remain on his tour but he was not able to.

He said: ‘I was informed that this stance was based on how Macklemore conveyed part of his message during his performance, rather than on everything that was said. I spoke with the venues at length all week to try and build a bridge.

‘One of those people was Robert Kraft. I was also involved in direct talks with promoters along with activists on both sides to try and find a mutual resolution for all, but the venue’s and promoter’s decision was final.

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Sheeran released a statement on Tuesday, addressing the American star’s position and reminding fans he will never personally take a publicly political stance

‘Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter’s decision, it was not mine. Macklemore’s contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me.’

Sheeran then explained that there would be no alterations to the tour he has planned because he would never let his fans and crew down.

He said: ‘I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living.

‘I have always used my platform and music to bring people from all backgrounds and cultures together and this won’t ever change. Those who have been to one of my shows will know that they are about unity, joy, escapism, love, and a place for everyone to feel welcome.

‘I am not complicit. I have my personal views on this devastating conflict. Just because I choose not to speak publicly, it doesn’t mean I don’t have them, and it doesn’t mean I don’t care. Nor does it mean I don’t support causes in my own, personal way.

‘There is a reason I do not use my professional platform for politics – my audience includes young people, often children, of all backgrounds. Those who come to my shows do not expect a political forum. 

‘I respect Macklemore’s strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes. However, there is room for multiple approaches to the same end: peace. I choose to use my fame and platform to be a place of safety and sanctuary, to maintain diplomacy and keep conversations open, not closed. If we only focus on shouting the loudest, nothing will ever change.

‘There are different approaches to being an advocate for change. I have spent this week trying to build bridges, to find a solution and unfortunately, was unable to do so. I know who I am, both as a person and as an artist, and those who know my heart know my values too.’

Sheeran captioned his post: ‘It’s important I set out some facts’. 

Macklemore claimed that his long-term friend Sheeran had told him that Kraft personally called the singer to inform him that the rapper would not be allowed to perform at Gillette Stadium

In a statement on Instagram, Macklemore claimed that his long-term friend Sheeran had told him that Robert Kraft personally called the singer to inform him that the rapper would not be allowed to perform at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts.

Kraft is the billionaire CEO of the Kraft Group, which owns the Gillette Stadium along with NFL team the New England Patriots. 

He wrote that ‘Ed also told me that Kraft had rallied some of the other stadium owners and collectively they gave him an ultimatum: if Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues.’

In his 1,000 word statement the rapper went on to say that he did not blame Sheeran personally, writing that his friend was put in a ‘f***ed up position.’

‘He told me that the words “Free Palestine” and the image of the Palestinian flag were hurtful to a lot of people he spoke with,’ Macklemore continued. 

‘I told him that if those words were more offensive than tens of thousands of Palestinian children being killed by Israel, then there was a fundamental disconnect between where those people stood and where I stood. But he couldn’t get past his public facing, “I don’t take sides.” And I get why people don’t.’

‘Taking a side can cost you,’ Macklemore added. ‘Money, brand deals, sponsorships, festivals, private shows, relationships and access. I’ve lost all of those things. But there is no neutral position between the oppressor and the oppressed.’

He noted that the pair had had ‘some difficult conversations this past week’ and he hoped that ‘this isn’t the end of my relationship with Ed. Thirteen years of friendship doesn’t disappear because of one painful disagreement.’

Kraft has defended his decision to block Macklemore from performing, saying the rapper ‘crossed a line.’

‘Gillette Stadium has a longstanding commitment to providing a welcoming environment for all guests and ensuring that events held at our venue do not provide a platform for hate speech,’ Kraft said in a statement.

‘Based on Macklemore’s recent actions, material shared from the stage during Ed Sheeran’s shows in New Jersey, and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community, we determined that his participation in the September 25 and 26 concerts at Gillette Stadium would cross that line.’

The promoter for the American side of Sheeran’s LOOP Tour, Messina Touring Group, said in a statement that they were told by venues of future dates on the tour that ‘they will not allow a concert to take place with Macklemore on the lineup.’

‘Which would result in the cancellation of the tour and impact hundreds of thousands of fans,” a spokesperson continued to Rolling Stone. ‘After discussions with stakeholders, Macklemore will not be performing on the remaining support dates.’  

As seen in fan-taken footage from his September 5 performance in New Jersey, Macklemore wore a keffiyeh at one point during his set and also performed his 2024 song Hind’s Hall with footage of Gaza on the massive screen behind him.

In the lyrics for Hind’s Hall, the rapper criticises actions in Gaza. Proceeds from the song go toward humanitarian efforts from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. 

The full video from the performance shows Macklemore standing on stage and addressing the crowd. 

Pink reposted an Instagram Story from StopAntisemitism, which slammed Macklemore’s performance and demanded an apology to the concertgoers

‘One of the reasons why I wanted to come on this tour was because I wanted to stand up here on stages in stadiums across America and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart: Free Palestine. I said, Free Palestine!’ he told the attendees.

‘I want those words to be loud and clear so that people from Gaza, all the way to the occupied West Bank know that we have not forgotten them.’

He then introduced Hind’s Hall, stating that it ‘was inspired by the bravery of Columbia University students who led an encampment movement that mobilized the entire world. Opened up hearts, myself included.’

‘So thank you to those students that risked their diplomas, that risked their tuition, that risked their scholarships, that stood up and said, “No.” CUAD students, Students for Justice in Palestine, and Jewish Voice for Peace. Thank you guys.’

He addressed the Jewish community, stating: ‘To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters: Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you.’

‘My message is for peace. Love. For all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality. So I say free Palestine. I say free Lebanon. I say free Cuba. I say free Congo, free Sudan, free all people in America living in fear over this terrorist organization ICE. None of us will be free until we are all free.’ 

Macklemore went on to post a video of his speech on social media with the caption: ‘Wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial.’ 

The singer Pink weighed in on the controversy, reposting an Instagram Story from StopAntisemitism, which slammed Macklemore’s performance.

The caption on the post read: ‘Awful – Jewish fans bought tickets to see Ed Sheeran sing last night in NJ, not to be ambushed by Macklemore’s anti-Israel propaganda.

‘Instead, Macklemore walked onstage in a keffiyeh, shouted “Free Palestine,” accused Israel of a false “genocide,” and turned a mainstream event into a political nightmare against the Jewish state. Concert-goers are owed apologies and refunds.’

In response, Macklemore appeared to double down on his comments last week, as he posted a clip of his speech from MetLife Stadium with the caption: ‘Wanting all humans to be treated equal should never be controversial.’

Pink did not add any additional commentary aside from re-sharing the post.

In 2014, Macklemore issued an apology after wearing a disguise on stage in Seattle that many condemned as an anti-Semitic Jewish caricature.

In his apology after the Jewish caricature controversy, he said: ‘There is no worse feeling than being misunderstood, especially when people are hurt or offended… I respect all cultures and all people. 

‘I would never intentionally put down anybody for the fabric that makes them who they are. I love human beings, love originality, and… happen to love a weird outfit from time to time.’Macklemore added that he never thought he looked Jewish. ‘Some people there thought I looked like Ringo, some Abe Lincoln. If anything, I thought I looked like Humpty Hump with a bowl cut,’ he said.

A small London pizza chain has beaten the Italians at their own game after being officially crowned the best in the world.

Napoli on the Road, which has restaurants in Chiswick, Richmond and Soho, became the first British entrant to take the top spot at the prestigious 50 Top Pizza awards.

Its founder and chef Michele Pascarella, 34, was left stunned when the result was announced at the Teatro Mercadante in Naples, the birthplace of pizza.

‘It’s so crazy I don’t know what to say,’ he said.

‘I’m in shock. I probably need to have a few drinks and a sit down to process this.

‘I can’t explain how big this is. It’s like the Oscars but for pizza.’

The competition, now in its tenth year, judges pizzerias not only on the quality of their food but on the overall dining experience. 

Inspectors visit restaurants anonymously, meaning staff do not know when they are being assessed.

Pascarella, who learnt to make pizza growing up in Caserta, near Naples, has enjoyed success at the awards before. 

Napoli on the Road was previously crowned the best pizzeria in Europe. Pictured: Michele Pascarella with the Best pizzeria in Europe award in 2024

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He was named global pizza maker of the year in 2023, while Napoli on the Road was previously crowned the best pizzeria in Europe.

But that ranking excludes Italy, meaning this year’s global title put the London restaurant up against pizzerias from Pascarella’s home country.

‘I didn’t think we’d have a chance against all the Italian ones,’ Pascarella said.

‘But we did it… this is the ultimate honour. I’m over the moon and so proud of all of my team.’

Napoli on the Road’s victory ended the dominance of I Masanielli, a pizzeria in Caserta run by Francesco Martucci.

It had won the title in six of the previous seven years but dropped to joint fourth place this year.

Martucci said he had no hard feelings about losing out to a pizzeria based outside Italy.

‘Pizza today is a child of the world, you don’t have to be in Naples or Caserta to produce the best,’ he said.

He added that Pascarella’s Caserta roots showed how people from the area had been able to move abroad and still produce world-beating pizza.

Napoli on the Road has grown from a food van into three bricks-and-mortar restaurants in the capital.

But despite its success, Pascarella said he has no interest in expanding it into a larger chain, saying he wants to maintain the quality of his pizzas and continue getting to know his customers.

Two other British pizzerias also made the global rankings.

50 Kalò in Westminster came 23rd, while Stile Napoletano in Chester was ranked 74th.

Italy had the most restaurants on the list with 31, followed by the US with 22.

New York was the most represented city with seven entries, followed by Naples with six and São Paulo with five.

Restaurants from 36 countries made this year’s list, including Vietnam, North Macedonia, Croatia and Japan.

Napoli on the Road is known for its margherita as well as creations including the ‘Cheesewick’, topped with five types of Italian cheese and homemade tomato jam.

Pascarella said: ‘I don’t want to become a chain, and believe me, we’ve had the chance.

‘I want to keep the quality of my pizza very, very high and I also want to talk to my customers. I want to know them and I want them to know me.’

How big are the Asian Games?

Well, they are larger in numbers than the Summer Olympics, which gives you an idea of the magnitude and logistics.

The Paris Olympics in 2024 involved 10,700 athletes. The Asian Games will open Saturday in Nagoya, Japan, with more than 11,000 athletes signed up. The number may be much larger as organizers have acknowledged a last-minute crush of athletes and officials attending. This has put pressure on available housing.

The Asian Games were first held in 1951 in New Delhi, India. This is the 20th edition with games last held in 2023 in Hangzhou, China, where about 12,000 athletes attended. Those games were delayed a year by the pandemic.

Of course, the Asian Games don’t have quite the star power of the Olympics. But there are big names and plenty of local stars from the 45 countries and regions entered from Afghanistan to Yemen.

Many of these nations seldom make a dent at the Olympics. But they have a chance at the Asian Games.

China features swim star Yu Zidi

As a 12-year-old at last year’s swimming World Championships in Singapore, Yu Zidi finished fourth in her three races — the 200- and 400-meter individual medley and the 200 butterfly. She’s 13 now and will turn 14 in October.

World records could fall with swimming taking center stage during the first six days of competition.

China will likely dominate the swimming with Olympic gold medalists like Pan Zhanle, Wang Shun, Qin Haiyang and Xu Jiayu expected in the field. Pan holds the world record in the 100 freestyle and Qin has the mark in the 200 breaststroke.

China topped all teams three years ago with 28 gold medals in swimming.

Some call these the “China Games.” China won 201 gold medals at the last games, Japan had 52 with 42 for South Korea. The same overall dominance is expected with the Asian Games closing Oct. 4.

Badminton is a hot ticket in Asia

South Korean An Se-young, the gold medalist in the 2024 Olympics and badminton’s No. 1-ranked female, is one to watch. She took gold three years ago in women’s singles in China and also picked up a team gold medal.

She is fresh off winning her third straight China Masters title. She also took the world title earlier this year.

“I have played in so many international tournaments that the Asian Games will feel just like any other event,” the South Korean news agency Yonhap quoted her saying.

“But one thing that makes it special is that if I reach the top of the podium, I will get to hear our national anthem.”

Alex Eala skips WTA event for Asian Games

Philippine tennis star Alex Eala is expected to play in the Asian Games, skipping the WTA 1000 China Open.

“I love playing and competing with the Philippine team,” said Eala, who is No. 18 in the WTA rankings. “I think it’s a really fun environment.”

Speaking at the recent U.S. Open, she raved about playing last year in the smaller Southeast Asian Games.

“There are really memories that stick with me,” she said. “You know the Asian Games happens every four years. I found myself drawn to competing in that.”

She won two bronze medals in China three years ago. But going for gold this time may have a price.

The China Open is a mandatory WTA event and Eala could face a fine and a ranking-points penalty for skipping it.

Sri Lankan javelin thrower breaking through

Sri Lankan javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage just won the event at the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, Hungary. He’ll be the favorite in the Asian Games.

That includes being favored over defending Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan. He was fifth in Budapest. India’s Neeraj Chopra, the 2020 Olympic champion, will miss the games with an ankle injury.

Athletes housed on an Italian cruise ship

There’s no dedicated athletes village at these games. Up to 5,000 athletes and officials will stay on the Italian liner Costa Serena. Others will be lodged in hotels and in temporary wood containers.

Organizers planned for 15,000 athletes and officials. But around August the number soared to 17,000. The Olympic Council of Asia has said those registered by a July deadline will get accommodation. Others who came late have to find their own.

Part of the crunch is the addition of new sports like teqball and padel. Also, some delegations seem extraordinary large. China, with 1.4 billion people, is sending 815 and Hong Kong, with a population of only 7.5 million, is sending about 580.

High security for Japanese royal family

Japanese media is reporting that 10,000 police and security forces will be on duty for the opening ceremony on Saturday in Nagoya with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attending.

The Emperor is expected to attend a basketball game on Sunday.

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See full AP coverage of Asian sports here

Kerstin Dunkley had never been in a proper relationship before and said she didn’t initially see his red flags

A young woman stayed with her abusive boyfriend because he promised to change when they got married – he strangled and raped her a year later.

Kerstin Dunkley was in a relationship with Conor Dunkley, from Wales, for four years after she met him at the age of 19 on Tinder while she was in Auckland, New Zealand working on a gap year from university.

After they got into a relationship and returned to the UK, Ms Dunkley was controlled, mentally and verbally abused, pushed, and slapped, by Dunkley who she believed was the ‘love of her life’.

When they got married in 2022 he promised to “change” and she hoped they could start a new life together. However, the abuse continued. Don’t miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here.

Just over 12 months after tying the knot, Dunkley brutally raped her after she refused to have sex with him and he strangled to the point where she almost passed out.

Ms Dunkley, from Germany, shared her story after Dunkley, 31, was jailed for six years at Chester Crown Court. He was convicted of controlling or coercive behaviour, rape, and criminal damage.

Ms Dunkley, 28, has now chosen to waive her anonymity to encourage other women to speak out against domestic abuse.

She said: “He deserves his time in prison as he is a he is a evil and disgusting person. He ruled over my life for four years, and I am glad it is no longer.

“He promised to change so many times but his cruelty was in fact never ending.”

Ms Dunkley recalled how they “hit it off” straightaway over Tinder as she said they had “a lot in common”. However, after they became a couple the first signs of controlling behaviour began.

A few months later the couple left New Zealand and returned to Ms Dunkley’s family home in Frankfurt, Germany. Ms Dunkley said he became increasingly more aggressive and controlling and he began drinking often.

They subsequently moved to Dunkley’s grandparents house in Wales in October 2019. Two months later he proposed to her having just moved into their new home in Chester.

She said: “Being so young and not really being in a proper relationship before, I thought this was what it was supposed to be.

“I didn’t see them as red flags as I was completely wrapped around his finger and I loved him.”

They moved around Wales, Merseyside, and Cheshire, working different jobs on farms and living in free accommodation they were provided. During this time, whenever she got paid Dunkley would take all of her money.

He also cut her off from seeing friends and family, would give her week-long silent treatments and make her “beg for forgiveness”.

In November 2021 the relationship became physical when he pushed her out of the front door of a caravan they were living in and made her sleep in their car, the court heard.

She said: “He made promises that he would be better and look after and support me and I believed him like every time before especially because this time we were making such a commitment.”

By June 2023 Kerstin said she had enough of the relationship and made plans to leave but around the same time Dunkley anally raped and strangled her to the point she “feared for her life”, the court heard.

She said she stayed with him “out of fear” until August 17 when he “threatened to kill her”. The next morning, while Dunkley was asleep, Ms Dunkley packed a suitcase and fled the house.

She subsequently contacted Cheshire Police. In October 2023 an investigation was launched and Dunkley was later arrested and charged.

Dunkley, from Fern Hill, Benllech, Tyn Y Gongl, pleaded guilty to criminal damage. Following a three-day trial, he was subsequently found guilty of controlling or coercive behaviour and rape by a jury in April.

Alongside his prison sentence he was placed on the sex offenders register, ordered to pay a victim surcharge and given a restraining order.

Ms Dunkley said it was like having a “weight lifter off her shoulders” after he was jailed but “wishes” he got a longer sentence.

Following the sentencing DC Ashley Frowe said: “Dunkley’s behaviour towards this woman was vile, unforgivable and callous.”

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Stewart ‘Specky’ Boyd put out a hit on an MP and was linked to seven murders before his death in a fireball on a Spanish motorway.

Boyd and his crew had an iron grip on the drugs trade in Paisley and parts of the southside of Glasgow throughout the late 80s and 90s.

Scottish Labour peer Irene Adams served as an MP in the area at the time and campaigned hard against Specky’s gang due to the misery they were causing in the area.

Adams openly condemned Specky and his associates and labelled his FCB security firm as a protection racket.

However, in 1999 she was told by a special branch cop that the feared mob boss wanted her dead in a contract killing.

This was followed up by a phone call from Home Secretary Jack Straw who told her that measures were being put in place to protect her.

Panic buttons was placed around her house and CCTV cameras were installed to cover every approach to the property, while two bodyguards were assigned to her when she made public appearances.

However, she didn’t back down and continued to speak against security firms that were used as fronts for criminality.

Following Specky’s death an investigation by the Record named seven people he was believed to have killed.

The gangster is said to have sanctioned the killing of Charles Melvin, 34, in July 2000. Paul Bentley, 25, disappeared in 1999, and locals in Nitshill were in no doubt Boyd was to blame.

In December that year, nurse Stephen Forrest, 34, also vanished after rowing with Boyd over drugs. The year before, Specky arranged for his own cousin John Simpson to be shot after he began seeing one of his former mistresses. Billy Weatherall, 32, was shot dead on Boyd’s orders in 1997 to stop him giving evidence at a prison riot trial. In 1996, Boyd stood trial for the murder of Mark Rennie, 27, in the Ferguslie Park area of Paisley and was cleared, but the Record has been told Boyd was involved. Specky also ordered the shooting of Raymond McCafferty, 23, in 1994.

Speaking at the time, a senior detective said: “People like Boyd rule through fear and this stops cases getting to court. He was also too clever to carry out the shootings himself in most cases.”

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If you are taking a trip to Saltburn-by-the-Sea, it is common to go for some fish and chips while enjoying the seaside.

However, if you are not a fan of fish and chips or fancy something different, the coastal town has plenty of other highly rated restaurants to try.

Alessi’s is an Italian restaurant found in the town that offers a taste of Italy in the northeast.

What is on the menu at Alessi’s?

Alessi’s has an extensive menu with plenty of options to choose from depending on what you fancy.

You can choose between different hot and cold starters, from bruschetta and Caprese salad to garlic mushrooms, king prawns, and calamari.

If you feel like enjoying a pasta dish, there are loads to choose from, including classics like lasagne, spaghetti carbonara, and bolognese, as well as a few dishes created by the restaurant.

Of course, Alessi’s offers a range of pizzas with lots of toppings to choose from, such as plain margheritas and mushroom pizzas, to onions, peppers, and meat options.

If you need something sweet to finish off your meal, Alessi’s has tiramisu and a limoncello flute for something light, as well as banoffee pie, sticky toffee pudding, and chocolate fudge cake.

What do reviews say about Alessi’s in Saltburn-by-the-Sea?

Alessi’s has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 on Tripadvisor, with 793 people leaving reviews after their visit.

One person said: “Absolutely wonderful Italian restaurant.

“Very friendly and well established.

“Would highly recommend this place.

“One staff member has worked for the family 25 years!

“This place has a really good vibe. I will be back!”

Another person said: “Family made a very last minute booking – we were there in 10 mins – on arrival we couldn’t have been made more welcome.

“Extremely difficult to decide from the extensive menu – food did not disappoint.

“Catered well for dietary and a toddler.

“All staff were very welcoming, polite, helpful and aware without being intrusive.

“We certainly hope to be back – thank you.”

Have you ever visited Alessi’s before? Let us know in the comments.

Man Utd were dumped out of the Carabao Cup in embarrassing fashion as they threw away a two-goal lead to lose to Brighton at Old Trafford.

Michael Carrick said the blame for Manchester United’s dismal start to the season was on him rather than the club’s executives for handing him a squad that might be ill-equipped to reach the targets inside Old Trafford this season.

United spent just £155million on first-team players this summer and were only the 10th biggest spenders in the Premier League, despite chief executive Omar Berrada setting a target of winning the title within the next two years.

The overhaul of the midfield has left United short in other areas, while two new signings, in Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, struggled in Wednesday’s desperate defeat to Brighton.

United led the Carabao Cup tie 2-0 after just 10 minutes, but conspired to throw the game away in a result that could be damaging for Carrick’s long-term future at Old Trafford.

But he was asked after the game whether he had been “sold short” with the squad he had been given this season, only to take responsibility himself rather than point the finger of blame at Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox.

“No, no, listen. The team’s on me, so when we win, people say I’m doing a good job, and if we don’t win or we don’t get results, then a lot of it’s on me,” said Carrick.

“So I accept that, I’m not hiding away from any of that. That is what it is.”

David Britton, 60, of High Street, Airmyn, was sentenced on Monday (September 14), at Hull Magistrates’ Court following a prosecution by East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

He had pleaded guilty at Beverley Magistrates’ Court on Monday (July 13) to keeping pigs in an unsuitable environment.

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The offence related to the condition of the pigs’ living area, which was found to be filled with scrap materials, including old domestic appliances, building materials, metal objects and other debris.

The council began investigating in May 2023 after receiving reports from a member of the public about the welfare of pigs visible from a nearby footpath.

Inspections revealed the animals were being kept in an area cluttered with scrap, including old appliances, construction materials, metal, and other debris.

Fencing designed to protect the pigs from these hazards was poorly maintained and inadequate.

Although some improvements were made, further visits confirmed that dangerous materials remained.

A Senior Veterinary Inspector from the Animal and Plant Health Agency assessed the property in December 2023 and deemed the environment unsuitable for the pigs.

A veterinary review of the case found that the pigs were kept in conditions with multiple hazards and that these concerns had not been properly addressed.

The court heard that the council’s animal health team had been in contact with Britton about similar issues since 2017, offering regular advice and support.

An Improvement Notice under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 was issued in 2021.

While Britton did carry out some remedial work, it was minimal and not maintained.

He was sentenced to a 26-week curfew from 7pm to 7am, ordered to pay £1,000 in prosecution costs, and given a £114 victim surcharge.

The court also issued an order depriving him of ownership of the pigs with immediate effect.

The animals have since been removed from the property.

Britton was banned from owning, keeping, or participating in the care of pigs for 10 years.

District Judge Bryan said during sentencing that the Animal Welfare Act 2006 was designed to prevent animal suffering and ensure a suitable living environment.

The judge said Britton had received repeated warnings and was not “a fit and proper person.”

She accepted that the pigs had not suffered harm, but said this was “by way of good luck rather than good judgement.”

Councillor Lyn Healing, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s cabinet member for communities and public protection, said: “We’re dedicated to enforcing animal welfare standards and taking appropriate enforcement action to protect animals from unnecessary and poor living conditions.

“We will always seek to work with keepers to achieve compliance through advice and education whenever possible.

“However, we will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action when necessary.

“Keepers must ensure they abide by animal welfare regulations, whether they own livestock animals on a commercial, pet, or hobby basis.”

Members of the public can report concerns about livestock welfare through the East Riding of Yorkshire Council website.

In the statement, which was issued by Gillette Stadium on Kraft’s behalf, he said he would like those speaking in support of the Palestinian people to know that he has long “supported efforts that create opportunity for Palestinians”.

He also said that he has worked to bring “young Palestinians and Israelis together to build businesses, create jobs, and forge relationships”.

“I have dedicated much of my life to building bridges between all people,” Kraft said. “I believe deeply that all lives are worth protecting.”

The owner of the Kraft Group, a sports and event management company, did not say whether he had rallied other stadium owners to ban Macklemore from their venues, as the rapper claims.

Macklemore – real name Benjamin Haggerty – called for a “free Palestine” and showed images of devastation in Gaza during two Sheeran concerts in New Jersey earlier this month.

He was dropped on Monday from Sheeran’s line-up, just days before the tour was set to resume in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.

Sheeran, who performed at Kraft’s 2022 wedding, said on Tuesday he was not responsible for Macklemore being removed as an opening act from the tour.

Flight PK701, operated by a Boeing 777, was travelling from Islamabad to Manchester when the crew transmitted a 7700 squawk code after entering UK airspace.

The emergency signal, which is used by pilots to alert air traffic controllers to an issue on board, was sent as the aircraft began its descent towards Manchester Airport.

The exact reason for the alert has not yet been confirmed.

Emergency declarations can cover a range of situations, including medical incidents, technical concerns or other issues requiring priority handling from air traffic control.

The aircraft landed at Manchester Airport at around 4.25 pm, where emergency services were on standby as a precaution.

Neither Pakistan International Airlines nor Manchester Airport had confirmed the nature of the incident at the time of writing.