Nice suspend defender Atal for a post supporting Palestine

Ligue 1 side Nice suspended Algerian international Youcef Atal "until further notice" on Wednesday after he shared a a post that supports Palestine on social media.

Even though he quickly deleted the post and apologized, the club said in a press release that, given the "seriousness" of the post, it was taking immediate disciplinary action "prior to any action that may be taken by the sporting and legal authorities".

French prosecutors on Monday launched a preliminary investigation into Atal on suspicion of "glorifying terrorism".

Atal, 27, was called into a meeting with the club hierarchy following his return from international duty with Algeria, during which period he made the post.

"We would like to emphasise that the reputation and unity of OGC Nice depends on the behaviour of all of its employees, who must be in accordance with the values defended by the institution," said the club, adding its "firm commitment to ensuring that peace prevails over all other considerations".

Atal responded to the criticism, telling his Instagram followers he would "never support a message of hate", without explaining why he had shared the video.