OGC Nice won’t contest Youcef Atal’s seven-match suspension
As reported by L’Équipe and RMC Sport, OGC Nice will not contest the seven-game suspension handed to Youcef Atal (27) by the LFP.
The Algerian international has received the suspension after sharing a social media post from a Palestinian preacher, who called for God to “send the Jewish people a dark day.” The post was quickly deleted by the Nice defender, and he took to social media the following day.
However, enquiries were launched by the LFP, as well as the Nice Public Prosecutor, whose preliminary investigation is still ongoing. The authority is investigating Atal for “condoning terrorism.” Nice mayor Christian Estrosi was also critical of the player, calling for him to “denounce Hamas terrorists.”
The anti-semitic post was shared whilst Atal was away on international duty. Upon his return to Nice, he was suspended until further notice by the club. He was therefore absent against Olympique de Marseille, and in the wake of that match, the LFP announced on Wednesday that Atal will be banned for the next seven Ligue 1 matches.
According to L’Équipe, Nice will not contest the suspension, which will see him ruled out until the end of the year. The club’s own investigation is ongoing.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
Read on getfootballnewsfrance.com
