Mainz suspend player for
‘unacceptable’ social media post
Mainz (Germany), Oct 18: Bundesliga club Mainz has suspended Dutch forward Anwar El Ghazi for what it called an “unacceptable” social media post about the Israel-Hamas war. The club said on its website that it has “relieved Anwar El Ghazi of his training and matchday related duties” because of a post he shared Sunday that he since deleted. It does not say what the post contained, nor whether the player will return to play for the club. Mainz spokesperson Silke Bannick declined Wednesday to give further details, saying only that El Ghazi was “released from training and matchday activities. Please understand that we will not comment further beyond the official statement.” On its website, Mainz said: “In the post, El Ghazi stated an opinion on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East that was deemed unacceptable by the club. Prior to making this decision, the club and the player had engaged in an in-depth discussion.” The 28-year-old El Ghazi, who previously played for PSV Eindhoven, Aston Villa and Everton, joined Mainz last month. He has made three appearances as a substitute for the team. (AP)
Nice suspend Youcef Atal for
sharing an antisemitic message
Nice, Oct 18: French club Nice suspended defender Youcef Atal on Wednesday until further notice after he shared an antisemitic message on social media. Nice said in a statement that it had discussed the issue with Atal and that he apologised. “The player acknowledged his error by quickly withdrawing the sharing of the publication and has offered a written and public apology,” Nice said. “Nevertheless, given the nature of the publication shared, and its seriousness, the club has made the decision to immediately take the first disciplinary measures against the player, prior to any action that may be taken by sporting and legal authorities. To this end, the club has decided to suspend Youcef Atal until further notice.” The suspension comes after the Nice public prosecutor’s office opened a preliminary investigation on Monday targeting Atal on charges “of defending terrorism” for sharing the message online. The prosecutor’s office said Atal is also being investigated for “public incitement to hatred or violence because of a particular religion.” The 27-year-old Atal, who also plays for Algeria’s national team, apologised after reportedly reposting and then deleting a video in which a Palestinian preacher made an antisemitic statement. French football federation president Philippe Diallo said Atal had relayed “appeals for violence” and that the case will be handled by the federation’s ethics committee. (AP)
Juventus’ Fagioli gets seven-month ban for betting violations
MILAN, Oct 18: Juventus midfielder Nicolò Fagioli was banned for seven months by the Italian football federation on Tuesday for betting violations. Fagioli agreed to a plea bargain with the federation, known as the FIGC, that included therapy for a gambling addiction. In a far-reaching case with prosecutors in Turin also carrying out a criminal investigation, Premier League players Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Zaniolo were questioned by police at Italy’s training camp last week and more Serie A players could be implicated. (AP)
Barça suffers another blow
from Roberto’s injury
Madrid, Oct 18: FC Barcelona’s injury crisis worsened on Wednesday as club captain Sergi Roberto has suffered a muscle injury to his left calf. The injury means he will miss this weekend’s game at home to Athletic Club Bilbao, next week’s Champions League tie with Shakhtar Donetsk and the ‘Clasico’ against Real Madrid the following weekend, and is a doubt for the visit to play Real Sociedad on November 4. The injury comes at the worst possible time for Barça coach, Xavi Hernandez, who already has Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde out injured. (IANS)