Youcef Atal Investigated by French Prosecutors Over Antisemitic Video Post
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Nice defender Youcef Atal is being investigated by French prosecutors after allegedly posting an antisemitic video on social media relating to the conflict in Israel and Gaza. The Nice public prosecutor’s office has opened a preliminary investigation into Atal on charges of “defending terrorism” and “public incitement to hatred or violence because of a particular religion”.
Atal, 27, has since deleted the post and apologised for it, saying that he “strongly condemns all forms of violence, anywhere in the world, and I support all victims”. He also said that he “will never support a message of hatred” and that “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, and 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, with FFF president Philippe Diallo saying that “hate speech will not be allowed…they are contrary to the ethics of our sport and the values that soccer relentlessly defends”.
The incident has raised questions about the responsibility of social media influencers to ensure that their posts are not offensive or inflammatory, and has sparked a debate about the role of footballers in politics and social issues more generally.
Atal’s post has been widely condemned by football fans and anti-racism campaigners alike, who have called for a zero tolerance approach to racism and hate speech in football and beyond. The incident has also highlighted the need for greater education around antisemitism and other forms of racism, as well as the importance of understanding the complexities of international conflicts before posting on social media platforms.
The investigation into Atal’s post is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what the outcome will be for the Algerian international. However, it is clear that this incident has shone a light on the need for greater awareness around racism and hate speech in football and society more generally, and has highlighted the importance of responsible use of social media platforms by influencers and public figures alike.