Hamas, a Palestinian militant group on Saturday, October 7, stormed Israel through a border fence and massacred hundreds of Israelis in their homes, on the streets, and at an outdoor music festival.
This attack re-ignited the long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict.
The aftermath of the attack has led to controversial discussions in the public space, with many celebrities and athletes, declaring support for either side of the war.
This show of support on social media has however led to the suspension of a few players,
Here are three footballers who have been suspended for supporting Palestine:
1. Youcef Atal:
Algerian footballer Youcef Atal was reprimanded by a European football club after Ligue 1’s Nice suspended him for reposting an allegedly anti-Jewish message on social media related to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
The move came less than two days after French prosecutors launched a preliminary investigation into Atal on suspicion of “glorifying terrorism”, following complaints filed by local politicians.
Atal allegedly shared a video from a Palestinian preacher on Instagram, purportedly calling for violence against Jewish people.
He has since deleted the message.
2. Anwar El Ghazi:
Dutch forward Anwar El Ghazi was suspended by Mainz 05 on Tuesday for a social media post about the Israel-Hamas conflict that the Bundesliga club felt was “unacceptable”.
El Ghazi, who joined Mainz in September, has since deleted the post.
“FSV Mainz 05 have relieved Anwar El Ghazi of his training and matchday-related duties,” the club announced on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“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.”
3. Noussair Mazraoui:
Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui also voiced his support for Palestine on social media which has brought an investigation from the club to suspend him from the club.
The Bayern defender shared a pro-Palestine video on Instagram which featured a voiceover that said: “God, help our oppressed brothers in Palestine to achieve victory. May God give mercy to the dead, may God heal their wounded.”
Club side Bayern Munich responded promptly to Mazraoui’s comments and confirmed talks would be held with the defender when he returns to the club later this week.
Source: The Nation
