Morocco winger Abde Ezzalzouli refuses to apologise over Ceuta shirt row

Morocco international Abdessamad Ezzalzouli has refused to apologise for wearing a shirt supporting the residents of Spanish enclave Ceuta, insisting the gesture was never intended to disrespect his country or carry a political message.

The Real Betis winger came under fire on social media after wearing the shirt before Monday’s LaLiga meeting with Villarreal at the Estadio de la Ceramica.

The 24-year-old was among players from both clubs who wore shirts carrying the slogan “Todos somos caballas”, which translates as “We are all mackerels”. Caballas is a nickname used for people from Ceuta.

Ezzalzouli’s decision attracted criticism, particularly because of the complex relationship between Morocco and Ceuta, a Spanish territory located on the North African coast.

Ezzalzouli stands firm

Despite the backlash, Ezzalzouli has made it clear he has no intention of apologising for taking part in the campaign.

“At no point was the shirt referring to the people of Ceuta used with a political purpose or as a sign of disrespect toward my people, the Moroccan people,” Ezzalzouli wrote in a statement posted on social media.

“It was a shirt with a social purpose, intended to support a community.

“That said, this is not an apology to anyone, and anyone who wishes to use this to question my love for my country is free to do so. I will continue to live each day with my head held high.”

His statement came after widespread support in Spain for people in Ceuta following more than 70,000 irregular crossings from neighbouring Morocco in July.

The issue has heightened sensitivities around the enclave, which Morocco claims alongside Spain’s other North African territory, Melilla.

Betis, LaLiga back winger

Ezzalzouli has since received support from both LaLiga and Real Betis following the controversy.

The Spanish league and the Seville-based club publicly backed the winger after he explained the reasoning behind his decision.

Ezzalzouli was born in Beni Mellal, Morocco, but moved to Spain with his family when he was seven.

Having grown up in Spain, he was eligible to represent either country at international level but ultimately chose Morocco.

He made his senior debut for the Atlas Lions in September 2022 and has since established himself as part of the national team setup.

The winger has earned 37 caps for Morocco and remains an important option for the country’s attack.

The latest controversy has nevertheless placed Ezzalzouli at the centre of a politically sensitive debate, although he maintains that his decision was purely social and should not be interpreted as a statement against Morocco.