Algerian football player, Youcef Atal, was handed an eight-month suspended punishment by a French court on Wednesday, 03 January 2024, for inciting religious hatred in a social media post about the war in Gaza.
The Algerian defender, who represents Nice (French club), will also pay a fine of $49,000 for sharing a video calling for a “black day for the Jews”.
Atal will further pay for details of his conviction to be published in regional newspaper, Nice-Matin, and national newspaper, Le Monde.
The video, he shared, was of a preacher, Mahmoud Al Hasanat, calling on God to send a “black day for the Jews” and “guide the hand” of Gazans striking back to Israel.
Atal was indulged with his national team when he shared the video.
The 27-year-old apologized in front of the court during the hearings, saying he had wanted to send a “message of peace” and did not watch the entire 35-second video before posting it.
Nice has suspended Atal from playing “until further notice”, while the Professional Football League (LFP) gave him a seven-match ban.
He was recently named in Algeria’s squad that will compete in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, starting 13 January 2024.
Stay Connected with ProPakistani
Get the latest sports news, match updates, and player stories wherever you prefer.
Add ProPakistani to Preferred Sources and see more of our stories in Google Search and Top Stories.
