After an anti-Israel post on social media, Youcef Atal (27) will not be seen on the pitch for a long time. The French league federation has suspended the OGC Nice player for seven games
The league announced the suspension late Wednesday night without providing a detailed explanation. The seven-game suspension for Atal is justified by a “publication on social networks.” The video in question is of a Palestinian preacher spreading anti-Israel slogans. Atal had shared it on his channels on Oct. 14 while he was on an international trip with the Algerian national team. A few hours later, he had deleted it again and apologized publicly, but sanctions followed very quickly.
The Nice public prosecutor’s office opened a preliminary investigation for “glorification of terrorism and public incitement to hatred or violence based on a particular religion,” and his club suspended the full-back “until further notice.” In theory, Atal would be allowed to play in OGC’s away match at Clermont on Friday, as the suspension does not officially take effect until October 31. However, due to the suspension, the Algerian will not be used.
Accordingly, the 27-year-old will not be eligible to play again until 2024, in the first league game after the winter break at Stade Rennes. From a purely sporting point of view, the suspension is definitely a weakening for the still unbeaten second-placed Nice, who are only one point behind leaders AS Monaco. Atal was in the starting lineup in six of eight league games before his suspension, scoring one goal. His place is now likely to be taken by Jordan Lotomba.
Montpellier vs Clermont to be replayed
Along with the Atal suspension, the LFP also announced another important decision. Thus, the league match between Montpellier and Clermont, which originally took place on October 8, will be replayed. The match had been abandoned in stoppage time at 4-2 in favor of Montpellier because Montpellier fans had thrown a firecracker onto the field, which exploded right next to Clermont keeper Mory Diaw, causing him to slump and have to be taken off the field on a stretcher. In addition to the replay, Montpellier will be deducted one point in the standings.
