Haris Belkebla Apologizes After Social Media Scandal
Algerian midfielder Haris Belkebla has publicly apologized following his exclusion from the national team for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. The 25-year-old, who had impressed during the season with Stade Brestois, admitted on Instagram that his actions were “inappropriate,” acknowledging the mistake even though he claims he was unaware he was being filmed live.
The incident occurred during a live Fortnite stream on Twitch, when Brest’s goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidja was broadcasting gameplay. Belkebla stepped behind the camera and briefly exposed his backside, a prank that quickly went public. The gesture, considered unprofessional, prompted national team coach Djamel Belmadi to drop Belkebla from Algeria’s 23-man AFCON squad.
Belkebla’s apology comes as he seeks to take responsibility for the incident, emphasizing that his behavior was not intended for public consumption. Despite his on-field performances, this off-field lapse has cost him the opportunity to participate in Algeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
