Algerian defender Youcef Atal convicted of provoking racial hatred, bags eight-month suspended prison sentence

GistReel Entertainment

Algerian defender Youcef Atal convicted of provoking racial hatred, bags eight-month suspended prison sentenceAlgerian defender Youcef Atal convicted of provoking racial hatred, bags eight-month suspended prison sentence Algerian and OGC Nice player Youcef Atal – Getty image Youcef Atal has been found guilty of provoking racial hatred and received eight-month suspended prison sentence along with €45,000 fine. The 27-year-old Algerian international was implicated after sharing a video on Instagram from Palestinian preacher Mahmoud al-Hasanat, who prayed for a “dark day” for Jewish people. Although Atal quickly deleted the post, it drew criticism, including from Nice’s mayor, Christian Estrosi, who stated that Atal would not be welcome at OGC Nice unless he denounced Hamas terrorists. Following the incident, Atal was suspended by both the France FA and his club, OGC Nice, and has not played since then. Algerian defender Youcef Atal convicted of provoking racial hatred, bags eight-month suspended prison sentenceAlgerian defender Youcef Atal convicted of provoking racial hatred, bags eight-month suspended prison sentenceAlgerian and OGC Nice player Youcef Atal – Getty image Speculation suggests that he may have already played his last game for the club, with interest reportedly coming from Turkish clubs. During the December hearing, the Nice Public Prosecutor sought a 10-month suspended prison sentence, but the tribunal decided on an eight-month suspended sentence. As part of the verdict, Atal is also required to cover the costs of publishing the verdict in Nice-Matin and Le Monde. Atal, currently on international duty with Algeria for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), has ten days to appeal the decision.

Arsenal launch bid for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber

Arsenal launch bid for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber

Arsenal has identified Ajax and Dutch footballer, Jurrien Timber as their top target to strengthen their defence for next season. The Athletic reported that while Arsenal tabled a £30 million offer to sign Jurrien Timber, Ajax wants a £50 million fee for the versatile defender.

Jurrien Timber pictured on duty with the Netherlands this month

Jurrien Timber playing for Ajax. Source: Getty The 22-year-old Netherlands international is keen on the move but the clubs are yet to reach an agreement on his valuation, with Ajax demanding more than £30m. RB Leipzig’s Mo Simakan is also on Arsenal’s list as Mikel Arteta pushes to reinforce a backline that struggled in April during William Saliba’s absence, conceding 11 goals in four games against Liverpool, West Ham, Southampton, and Manchester City as the team fell away in the title race. Simakan, who is 23 but part of the France Under-21 squad at the Euros that begins today, June 21, can play as centre-back or right-back. Timber is more of a specialist central defender, although he has been used as a right-back before this season. Arsenal will continue talks to try to secure Jurrien Timber, who had also been targeted by Manchester United and former Ajax manager, Erik ten Hag. Arsenal launch bid for Ajax defender Jurrien TimberJurrien Timber pictured on duty with the Netherlands this month. Source: Getty Arsenal are also attempting to buy the midfielders Declan Rice and Roméo Lavia and had an £80m offer for Rice rejected by West Ham last week. Arsenal intends to move quickly to secure Rice, with Manchester City monitoring the situation as they await a decision from Ilkay Gündogan on whether he will extend his stay. Arsenal are in negotiations with Southampton and Lavia’s camp over the Belgium international. Manchester United are also interested but their priority is to land Mason Mount from Chelsea, who are keeping an eye on Lavia’s situation. Manchester City, the 19-year-old’s previous club, would get a percentage of any fee and have a £40m buyback clause next summer if he stays at Southampton. Timber made 47 appearances in all competitions for Ajax last season, including all six of their games in the Champions League group stage. He helped the Amsterdam side to win the Eredivisie title in 2021 and 2022. He has 15 caps for the Netherlands, playing in four of their 2022 World Cup matches as the Dutch reached the quarter-finals.

Former Nigerian defender, Mike Onyemachara, is dead

GistReel

Ex-Super Eagles defender, Mike Onyemachara, is dead

A former member of the Flying Eagles team, Mike Onyemachara who won a silver medal in Saudi Arabia in 1989, passed away on Thursday, May 4th, 2023. He was reported to have been in good health when his wife and children left for work and school, respectively. However, upon their return, they found that the food on the table had not been touched and Onyemachara had passed away. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear at this time, although there are rumours that he may have passed away in his 3-bedroom apartment in Ajegunle. Some of his close teammates have reported that he had been experiencing back pain in recent times. Onyemachara was known for his skill as a defender and played most of his games with First Bank of Lagos. He was also a valuable member of the Saudi 89 Flying Eagles team.