Weissman debate accusations: Labeling as antisemitic deemed 'preposterous' - Proposal Required for Worker Radiation Safety Directive by Commission Due to Radiation Exposure Risks
Fortuna Düsseldorf Abandons Transfer of Israeli Footballer Amid Fan Backlash
Fortuna Düsseldorf has withdrawn from signing Israeli footballer Shon Weissman due to intense fan backlash over his past social media posts supporting Israel's military actions in Gaza.
The club's chairman, Klaus Allofs, defended this decision as consistent with the club's values after consulting members of Düsseldorf’s Jewish community. Allofs rejected allegations that the decision was motivated by antisemitism, calling such claims "absurd."
Weissman, 29, was set to join Fortuna Düsseldorf from Granada CF, with the transfer nearly finalized, including a medical exam. Opposition grew among some fans because Weissman’s social media contained posts endorsing Israel’s Gaza operations following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, which some perceived as inflammatory or supportive of violence against Palestinians.
The club initially did not disclose the reason for canceling the transfer but later stated Weissman’s social media conduct and the handling of it did not align with the club’s values. Allofs emphasized that the club’s decision was not based on prejudice or antisemitism. He highlighted that they did not want to rule out signing a player in advance on such grounds and made the decision after thoughtful consultation with local Jewish representatives.
Weissman himself described some posts as impulsive mistakes made during moments of grief. There were concerns about Weissman’s safety as well, including missed matches in Spain due to hostile reactions from fans offended by his posts.
The Jewish Community of Düsseldorf spoke of an "anti-Israel campaign" against Weissman after Fortuna’s decision not to sign him. They described the club's approach as "unfortunate" and stated that Fortuna unintentionally set signs that are problematic for the Jewish community, given the increasing Israel-related antisemitism.
Fortuna Düsseldorf announced on Tuesday that they would not sign Weissman without giving further reasons. On Friday evening, the club issued a longer statement, explaining that Weissman's statements and social media handling did not align with their values and caused polarization, making it an unsuitable companion for a successful season. Allofs admitted that a quicker reaction might have been better, but the club wanted to wait for the conversation with the Jewish community before making a decision.
In the exchange with Fortuna, the Jewish Community described the club's approach as "unfortunate" and stated that Fortuna unintentionally set signs that are problematic for the Jewish community, given the increasing Israel-related antisemitism. According to the Israeli news portal "Walla", Weissman had also liked posts calling for the annihilation of Gaza. Allofs defended the club's values, stating that they do not limit themselves with prejudices and exclude them from the outset.
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment, considering the intense debate over the unsuitable companionship of sports figures with controversial social media histories, as exemplified by the recent Fortuna Düsseldorf incident involving Israeli footballer Shon Weissman.
In light of the club's decision not to sign Weissman due to his support of Israel's military actions in Gaza, it might be worth considering implementing stricter guidelines for sports clubs regarding the vetting of players' social media conduct, ensuring alignment with the clubs' values and promoting a more harmonious environment.
