Algerian footballer Youcef Atal was detained in France for questioning for allegedly posting anti-semitic content on his social media accounts. He is expected to face the trial in December.
Atal has been accused of instigating violence against Jews through his social media posts. He was detained on Thursday and was released on bail of 80,000 euros. The footballer is currently under judicial supervision. He is expected to remain in France and is allowed to leave the football only for international games.
Last month the, 27-year-old footballer shared the video of the Palestinian preacher who allegedly made the anti-semitic content and encouraged violence against Jews.
He later deleted the post but was suspended for seven matches. The footballer also released an apology for his social media post.
Youcef Atal was signed by French football club OGC Nice and plays Ligue 1 football. He has been suspended by his club until further notice. Now he will be facing trial for inciting religious hatred.
In response to the allegations, Atal said that he is against violence and will not support it wherever in the world. However, he did not explain sharing the alleged content.
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Several celebrities are facing consequences for taking a Pro-Palestinian stance including Beauty mogul Huda Kattan. Hollywood actress Susan Sarandon has been dropped by her talent agency after criticizing Israel at a pro-Palestine rally last weekend, a spokesman for the agency confirmed. The star also came under fire for sharing social media posts by Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters, a vocal critic of Israel’s war in Gaza.
In a statement on Tuesday, United Talent Agency (UTA) told Deadline it would no longer work with the Oscar-winning actress after she spoke at a pro-Palestine protest in New York. In particular, Sarandon drew criticism for stating: “There are a lot of people afraid of being Jewish at this time, and are getting a taste of what it feels like to be a Muslim in this country.”