Nice player investigated for ‘defending terrorism’

NICE, France (AP):

The Nice public prosecutor's office opened a preliminary investigation yesterday targeting football player Youcef Atal on charges "of defending terrorism", after he shared an anti-Semitic message on social media.

The prosecutor said Atal is also being investigated for "public incitement to hatred or violence because of a particular religion".

Atal, who plays in the French league for Nice and Algeria, apologised after reposting before deleting a video with a Palestinian preacher making an anti-Semitic statement.

French Football Federation President Philippe Diallo said Atal had relayed "appeals for violence". Diallo said, in a statement, that he "condemns them with the greatest severity" and that the federation's ethics committee will handle the case.

Atal also said he condemns all forms of violence "no matter where in the world".