Nice Defender Youcef Atal Suspended for Seven Games for Sharing Antisemitic Social Media Post

Disciplinary Action Follows Nice Club's Initial Suspension and Prosecutor's Investigation into Atal for "Defending Terrorism" and "Public Incitement to Hatred or Violence"

• Youcef Atal, a defender for Nice, has been suspended for seven matches by Ligue 1 for sharing a social media post about the Israel-Hamas war, deemed antisemitic.
• Nice had suspended Atal prior to the French league's action, after which he reportedly apologized for his post and stated that he condemns all forms of violence.
• Following the post, the Nice public prosecutor's office opened a preliminary investigation into Atal on charges 'of defending terrorism' and 'public incitement to hatred or violence because of a particular religion.'
• Atal reportedly reposted and then deleted a video in which a Palestinian preacher made an antisemitic statement, leading to his suspension.
• In addition to playing for Nice, the 27-year-old Atal also plays for Algeria's national team, and his suspension will start from October 31.

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