(AFP) French prosecutors on Monday launched a preliminary investigation into a top-flight footballer on suspicion of “glorifying terrorism” after he reposted an allegedly anti-Semitic message on social media relating to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Youcef Atal, an Algerian international who plays for Ligue 1 club Nice, is suspected of sharing a video from a Palestinian preacher on Instagram purportedly calling for violence against Jewish people.
Football officials, politicians, a Jewish group and the mayor of Nice have all condemned the message, which Atal deleted before apologising.
AFP has not been able to independently verify the content of the original post.
