Algerian footballer Youcef Atal, a key player for Nice, returned to Algeria on Thursday ahead of the national team’s participation in the final phase of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, scheduled from January 13 to February 11, 2024.
Atal, who is currently embroiled in a legal controversy, refuted allegations of anti-Semitism during his recent court appearance, asserting that his intent was to convey a message of peace to the people of Gaza.
The 27-year-old Algerian international is set to face a French court in January concerning a video he posted featuring a preacher calling for what was described as “a black day for the Jews.”
Having made his first court appearance on December 18, Atal addressed the accusations of “inciting hatred” that led to his suspension two months ago.
In the controversial Instagram message shared with his 3.2 million followers, Atal insisted, “I didn’t do anything serious. I just wanted to support our brothers in Palestine.
I thought that there was a message of peace for the people who were suffering from this war.” He admitted to sharing the video without watching it in its entirety.
“I am not anti-Semitic. I am neither against Jews nor against Christians; I have no hatred against anyone,” emphasized Atal, highlighting his previous participation in Tel Aviv with his Nice team as evidence of his inclusive approach.
Despite Atal’s defense, the prosecution has sought a ten-month suspended prison sentence along with a fine of 45,000 euros. The court reserved judgment on the case until January 3, leaving the footballer and his supporters awaiting the resolution of the legal proceedings.
