Club withdraws endorsement deal for Israeli forward following public pressure from supporters
In a surprising turn of events, Fortuna Duesseldorf announced on Tuesday that they have decided not to sign Shon Weissman. The potential signing was cancelled due to a storm of criticism over Weissman's social media posts related to the Gaza conflict.
Weissman, currently playing for Granada FC, made several posts after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel that set off the Gaza war. His comments included calling for the Gaza Strip to be "wiped out" and liking posts saying "there are no innocents (in Gaza), they don't need to be warned". These posts sparked significant negative reactions, pressuring the club to reconsider the signing.
Fans of Fortuna Duesseldorf launched an online petition against Weissman, citing his "disrespectful and discriminatory" comments. The controversy also arose in Mainz, where player Anwar El Ghazi was sacked for similar statements about the conflict in 2023.
The reasons for Fortuna Duesseldorf's decision not to sign Weissman were not revealed. However, it is worth noting that German football fans have significant influence in major decisions, including signing players, due to the so-called 50+1 regulation. This rule requires club members to retain overall control of professional football sides.
Weissman has since apologised for his actions, stating that he made a mistake and was acting in the heat of the moment. Former Bayern Munich defender Noussair Mazraoui, now with Manchester United, also apologised publicly after making several social media posts on the conflict.
The Israeli army has devastated large parts of the Palestinian territory after 22 months of combat sparked by the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas. More than 60,933 Palestinians have been killed, according to figures from Hamas-run Gaza's health ministry. Humanitarian agencies have warned that the territory's 2.4 million people are slipping into a catastrophic famine.
Germany, as it has sought to atone for the Holocaust, has long been a steadfast supporter of Israel. However, concern has risen sharply over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In light of these events, Fortuna Duesseldorf and Weissman had planned to issue an apology statement for the posts, according to reports. The club defended their decision to cancel the transfer in response to the criticism received.
This incident serves as a reminder of the power of social media and the impact it can have on both individuals and organisations. It also highlights the importance of sensitivity and respect, especially in times of conflict.
- Shon Weissman, currently with Granada FC, faced criticism over his social media posts related to the Gaza conflict, which led to Fortuna Duesseldorf cancelling their planned signing of him.
- Weissman's controversial posts, made after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, included calling for the Gaza Strip to be "wiped out" and liking posts stating "there are no innocents (in Gaza), they don't need to be warned".
- The German football club Fortuna Duesseldorf, influenced by fans and the 50+1 regulation, decided not to sign Shon Weissman, citing his "disrespectful and discriminatory" comments about the Gaza conflict.
- The Israeli army's actions in the Palestinian territory, following 22 months of combat sparked by the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas, have caused a humanitarian crisis, with more than 60,933 Palestinians killed and the territory's 2.4 million people slipping into a catastrophic famine, according to figures from Hamas-run Gaza's health ministry.
- This incident involving Shon Weissman serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the significant power of social media and the importance of sensitivity and respect, particularly during times of conflict.
