Algerian international footballer Youcef Atal has broken his silence regarding the legal proceedings he faces in France. The player appeared before the Nice court on Monday, accused of “provoking racial hatred on grounds of religion” after sharing a video that called for “a black day for the Jews” following the Israeli response to a Hamas attack in October.
Atal, who has been kept on the sidelines by OGC Nice since his police custody release on November 24, faced sentencing requests from the prosecution, including a 10-month suspended prison sentence and a 45,000-euro fine.
The court imposed judicial supervision on Atal, with an 80,000-euro bail and restrictions on leaving the national territory, except for professional football-related activities. A final judgment is expected on January 3.
Despite the legal challenges, Atal has found solace in his return to the Algerian national team for the preparatory course leading up to afcon 2023.
The 27-year-old, who is the first expatriate to join the team, expressed gratitude for the support received from the Algerian people, stating, “I received a lot of messages from the Algerian people.
🚨Youcef Atal 🇩🇿 :
« Je suis prêt à commencer le Stage, on va bien préparer la CAN 🏆.
« Notre objectif est de rayonner en Côte d’Ivoire 🇨🇮 afin de rendre le peuple algérien heureux. Mon avenir avec Nice ? Je me concentre actuellement sur la CAN 🏆 et après je vais voir. » pic.twitter.com/aAb0075bJT— Algérie_Foot🇩🇿 (@algeriefoot213) December 21, 2023
It gave me strength. I’m not worried because I didn’t do anything serious. I just wanted to show solidarity with the Palestinian people.”
With a focus on the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (afcon) in Ivory Coast, Atal conveyed his readiness to start training, emphasizing the team’s objective to make the Algerian people proud.
Regarding his future with OGC Nice, Atal evaded the question, stating, “I am currently focusing on the afcon , and then I will see,” amid conflicting information circulating about his club status.
The player, formerly associated with Paradou and Kortrijk, is expected to play a crucial role for Algeria in the upcoming tournament.
Youcef Atal🎙:
« J’ai reçu beaucoup de messages du peuple algérien. Ça m’a donné de la force. Je ne suis pas inquiet car je n’ai rien fais de grave. Je voulais juste être solidaire avec le peuple 🇵🇸❤ »
ON EST DERRIÈRE TOI 🇩🇿❤#Teamdz
🎥 @spuerlilo pic.twitter.com/9w1SEsWcFf
— MIMODZCR7 🇩🇿🇩🇪 (@MIMODZ04) December 21, 2023
