Youcef Atal, the Algerian footballer for the French Club Nice, is reported to have been under judicial supervision after being released from French authorities' detention for sharing an anti-Semitic post on social media that allegedly supports violence against Jews.
Atal shared a video that purportedly featured a Palestinian preacher making anti-Semitic statements and calling for violence against Jews. The French authorities detained Atal for questioning on grounds of potential "justification of terrorism." The footballer, however, maintained his innocence, asserting that he would "never support a message of hate" and condemning violence globally.
Nice, the club that prides itself on a rich history and diverse squad, suspended Atal indefinitely pending further investigation. The French football league dealt another blow by suspending him for seven games. Atal found himself released on bail of 80,000 euros ($87,500) on Friday but placed under judicial supervision, facing a pending trial on December 18 for possible incitement to religious hatred.
At the heart of the matter is the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has reverberated across the footballing world. Karim Benzema, a French football star, faced accusations from the Interior Minister of having links to the Islamist group Muslim Brotherhood after criticizing the Israeli bombings on social media.
Tensions escalated further when a Football Association council member resigned over a controversial comparison between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Adolf Hitler.
Across borders, Dutch footballer Anwar El Ghazi faced expulsion from German team Mainz 05 due to his social media posts in support of Palestine. Despite reiterating his opposition to anti-Semitism and violence against civilians, El Ghazi took legal action against the club over his termination.