OGC Nice’s Youcef Atal appeals guilty verdict
Earlier in January, OGC Nice’s Youcef Atal (27) was found guilty of provoking racial hatred and handed an eight-month suspended prison sentence, as well as a €45,000 fine. France Bleu Azur now report that Atal will contest the court’s ruling,
In October, Atal shared a video from Palestinian preacher Mahmoud al-Hasanat, who asked God to “send Jewish people a dark day.” The video, shared on Atal’s Instagram, was quickly deleted by the Algerian international. Amidst the ongoing Israel-Gaza war, Atal’s post garnered criticism, notably from the mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, who said that unless he “denounces Hamas terrorists, he no longer has a place at [OGC Nice].”
After being suspended by his club and the LFP, Atal was then present at a hearing in Nice in late December. The guilty verdict was delivered on 3rd January. Atal, who is currently on international duty with Algeria ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was not present at the ruling.
With Atal contesting the ruling, a new process will now begin. Meanwhile, the player will be reintegrated into the Nice squad following AFCON, according to his manager, Francesco Farioli. “Youcef Atal will reintegrate the squad because he is a player under contract with OGC Nice,” said the Italian. Atal’s contract with Le Gym expires at the end of the season, and media reports suggest that the Ligue 1 club are looking to sell the defender this month.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
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