Algerian international defender Youcef Atal was taken into police custody on Thursday evening. He is accused of inciting hatred and violence.
The tunnel crossing is not yet over for Youcef Atal. After being suspended by his club OGC Nice, the Algerian full-back now finds himself detained in the police premises of the same city. Thursday evening, he was placed in police custody, pending being brought before justice. The information was communicated by Nice-Matin.
Atal should escape prison
Atal is the subject of a preliminary investigation opened by the Nice prosecutor for “apology of terrorism” and “provocation of hatred or violence on the basis of a specific religion”. It is this last charge which was brought against him. Even if the charges against him are serious, the former Kortrijk player should escape prison. A suspended sentence should certainly be handed down against him. In the worst case.
Last October, he then relayed a video on social networks of a preacher who calls for “send a dark day for the Jews”. He apologized shortly after, also deleting the post. “I am aware that my publication shocked several people, which was not my intention and I apologize for that. I would like to clarify my point of view without any ambiguity: I strongly condemn all forms of violence, anywhere in the world, and I support all victims. I will never support a message of hate”he reacted.
photo credit: Panoramic
The noose is tightening for Youcef Atal.
But the damage was done. He escaped neither the sanctions of his club, nor the investigation of the justice system nor the numerous external criticisms and condemnations. The LFP also took up his case and suspended him for seven matches.
Algeria supports him
Atal went a month without competition. Despite his situation, he was still summoned by Djamel Belmadi for the Fennecs matches. He even started in the two matches played in the World Cup qualifiers, against Somalia and Mozambique. The coach is also counting on him for the CAN in January.
