Footballer Youcef Atal appeals his conviction for provoking hatred

There will be a new trial. Algerian footballer Youcef Atal is appealing his conviction for provoking hatred on grounds of religion, France Bleu Azur reported on Monday January 8, confirming this information with the player’s lawyers. Youcef Atal had 10 days to appeal the conviction.

On January 3, the OGC Nice defender was sentenced to 8 months in prison and a fine of 45,000 euros by the Nice Criminal Court. Justice accuses the 27-year-old defender of having relayed on social networks the video of a preacher who called for “a dark day for the Jewish people”in the wake of Israeli bombings on the Gaza Strip.

The player suspended by OGC Nice

Youcef Atal is under contract until June with the Aiglons but OGC Nice has suspended him until further notice. The Professional Football League (LFP) also sanctioned him with a seven-match suspension, a sanction which ended before the end-of-year holidays. The Algerian international is currently in Ivory Coast to compete in the CAN, the African Cup of Nations, which takes place from January 13 to February 11.