Accused of advocating terrorism for having shared a controversial publication on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Youcef Atal, even though he apologized, was provisionally suspended by OGC Nice.
OGC Nice has made a decision for Youcef Atal. Summoned and heard by his club upon his return from selection, the Algerian international was provisionally suspended by the Riviera club. The right-back had shared a post from a Palestinian preacher calling for “ a dark day for the Jews » and asking “ to accompany the hand » of the inhabitants of Gaza « if they throw the stone » to Israel. Political leaders had taken legal action and the Nice prosecutor’s office had opened an investigation into “apology of terrorism. »
The player quickly deleted this video and apologized. “ I realize that my publication shocked many people, which was not my intention, and I apologize. I would like to clarify my point of view without any ambiguity: I condemn all forms of violence, wherever in the world, and I support all victims. I will never support a message of hatred. Peace is an ideal in which I firmly believe,” he had indicated.
However, his club still chose to sanction him. “OGC Nice understands that the player recognized his error by quickly withdrawing the sharing of the publication and presented his written and public apologies. Nevertheless, given the nature of the shared publication and its seriousness, the club has taken the decision to immediately take the first disciplinary sanctions against the player, prior to those which could be decided by the sporting and judicial authorities. , explains the Gym in its press release.
