Abde faces abuse and threats after wearing Ceuta solidarity shirt

Morocco international and Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli has been subjected to a wave of insults and threats on social media after wearing a shirt supporting the people of Ceuta.

The shirt carried the slogan “We are all Caballas” – a term used to refer to residents of Ceuta – as part of a solidarity initiative recently launched by several groups. A number of football teams have also joined the campaign, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.

Ezzalzouli wore the shirt alongside the Real Betis and Villarreal players in the minutes before the Andalusian club’s 2-1 victory. The Morocco international was born in Beni Mellal and grew up in Elche, in Alicante province.

The appearance prompted a series of hostile messages on the player’s social media accounts, with some accusing him of betraying Morocco.

One message said: “Betraying the nation is not a passing position, but a disgrace that remains in the memory of history. The homeland is not for sale, and whoever sells it loses respect before losing their homeland.”

Another read: “Whether you like it or not, Ceuta and Melilla are Moroccan, and they will always remain so.”

A further message said: “Today you will live with us in fear, and tomorrow you will go through the worst hour of your life.”

Other comments included: “Ceuta is Moroccan,” and: “Ceuta and Melilla are Moroccan. History cannot be erased by a shirt.”

One user wrote: “The last time we see him with the national team will be a lesson. May God change him and grant him a little support in his own country.”

Another added: “A true Moroccan does not abandon his homeland when it needs him most. Some positions are never forgotten, and some betrayals cannot be set aside out of respect for what has been built over the years.”

The player was also told: “Do not be a coward. Be a man.”

Moroccan journalist Youssef Tensamani defended Ezzalzouli during a discussion on El Chiringuito en Energy, saying: “It is a total absurdity that they insult Abde for wearing the shirt in support of Ceuta.”

Ceuta and Melilla are Spanish cities on the North African coast, but both are claimed by Morocco. The source article did not report any response from Ezzalzouli to the messages.