Nice Suspends Defender Youcef Atal Over Anti-Semitic Social Media Post

Ligue 1 side, Nice on Wednesday, announced the suspension of Algerian international Youcef Atal “until further notice” after he shared a controversial post on social media linked to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas.

Even though he quickly deleted the post and apologized, the club disclosed in a press release that, given the “seriousness” of the post, it was taking immediate disciplinary action “prior to any action that may be taken by the sporting and legal authorities”.

French prosecutors on Monday launched a preliminary investigation into Atal on suspicion of “glorifying terrorism”.

Atal, 27, was called into a meeting with the club hierarchy following his return from international duty with Algeria, during which period he made the post.

“We would like to emphasize that the reputation and unity of OGC Nice depend on the behavior of all of its employees, who must be in accordance with the values defended by the institution,” said the club, adding its “firm commitment to ensuring that peace prevails over all other considerations”.

Atal has been widely criticized since Saturday for sharing a video from a Palestinian preacher on Instagram, purportedly calling for violence against Jewish people.

Football officials, politicians, a Jewish group, and the mayor of Nice have all condemned the message, which Atal deleted before apologizing.