OGC Nice suspend Youcef Atal for sharing anti-semitic video

OGC Nice have confirmed that they have suspended Youcef Atal (27). The Algerian international is currently under investigation from the Nice Public Prosecutor after sharing an anti-semitic video on social media. 

Atal shared a video from Palestinian preacher Mahmoud al-Hasanat, who asked God to“send Jewish people a dark day,” on Saturday. The video, shared on Atal’s Instagram, was quickly deleted by the Algerian international, and the player made an apology on Sunday. 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].”

The LFP’s disciplinary commission are also investigating the incident, which happened whilst the player was away on international duty. Atal has now returned to OGC Nice. In an official statement, the club revealed that they had held a meeting with Atal. The right-back “recognised his error [ and has made a public written apology.” 

The statement added, “Taking into account the nature and the seriousness of the post shared, the club has taken the decision to immediately make its first disciplinary sanctions before those that could be taken by the sporting and judiciary authorities […] the club has decided to suspend Youcef Atal until further notice.” 

Atal will therefore not be available for selection for Les Aiglons’ Ligue 1 fixture against Olympique de Marseille on Saturday, and it is unclear if and when he will make his return. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle