Nice and Algeria defender Youcef Atal investigated for alleged antisemitic social media post
Nice defender Youcef Atal is being investigated by prosecutors in France after allegedly posting an antisemitic video on social media relating to the conflict in Israel and Gaza.
Atal, 27, has now deleted the Instagram post and apologized.
The Nice public prosecutor’s office said it had opened a preliminary investigation into Atal on charges “of defending terrorism”.
He is also being investigated for “public incitement to hatred or violence because of a particular religion”.
Writing on social media, Atal, who has three million followers on Instagram, said: “I am aware that my publication shocked people, which was not my intention, and I apologize for that.
“I strongly condemn all forms of violence, anywhere 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.”
Atal has 31 caps for Algeria and represented them at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations.
He has played in six of Nice’s eight Ligue 1 matches this season.
The French Football Federation (FFF) ethics council is also investigating the defender.
“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.”
