Algeria defender Atal was suspended by Nice on Wednesday after allegedly posting an antisemitic video on social media that related to the conflict in Gaza, BBC reported.
Atal is also being investigated by the prosecutor’s office for “public incitement to hatred or violence because of a particular religion”, and by the French Football Federation (FFF) ethics council.
“Hate speech will not be allowed,” said FFF president Philippe Diallo on Sunday.
“They are contrary to the ethics of our sport and the values that soccer relentlessly defends.”
A statement released by OGC Nice on Wednesday partly states, “Upon his return from the national selection of Algeria, where he has been since October 9, the leaders of OGC Nice convened and exchanged with Youcef Atal.
“OGC Nice hears that the player acknowledged his mistake by quickly removing the sharing of the publication and offered his written and public apologies. Nevertheless, given the nature of the shared publication and its seriousness the club took the decision to immediately take the first disciplinary sanctions against the player prior to those that could be decided by the sports and judicial authorities.
“As such, the clưb has decided to suspend Youcef Atal until further notice.
“We would like to emphasise that the reputation and unity of the OGC Nice result from the behaviour of all its employees, which must be in accordance with the values defended by the institution. As in its message last Friday, OGC Nice recalled its firm commitment to peace over any other consideration.
On the other hand, Mainz on Tuesday announced a decision to suspend Anwar El Ghazi after he published a pro-Palestinian post on his Instagram story and took a ‘position’ in political discussion, the club said.
Although El Ghazi joined Mainz just a couple of weeks ago as a free agent, the club’s decision to suspend him came as a result of the player taking a position on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The club’s official statement reads partly, “FSV Mainz 05 have relieved Anwar El Ghazi of his training and matchday-related duties. The decision comes as a result of a since-deleted social media post from the 28-year-old that appeared on Sunday evening.
“In the post, El Ghazi took a position on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East that was deemed unacceptable by the club. Prior to making this decision, the club and the player had engaged in an in-depth discussion.
“Mainz 05 respects the fact that there are varying perspectives on the decades-long, complex conflict in the Middle East. However, the club are distancing themselves from the content of the social media post in question, as it does not align with the values of the club,” the club statement said.
