Footballer Youcef Atal suspended by Nice over antisemitic message

French soccer 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 apologized.

'The player acknowledged his error by quickly withdrawing the sharing of the publication and has offered a written and public apology. 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,' Nice said.

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, apologized after reportedly reposting and then deleting a video in which a Palestinian preacher made an antisemitic statement.

French soccer federation president Philippe Diallo said Atal had relayed 'appeals for violence' and that the case will be handled by the federation’s ethics committee.

Writing on Instagram, Atal said he understood that his post was shocking to some people and said he condemns all forms of violence, 'no matter where in the world.'