Abdessamad Ezzalzouli broke his silence on Tuesday following the controversy sparked by wearing a shirt in support of the people of Ceuta before the La Liga match between Villarreal and Real Betis. The Moroccan international emphasized that this gesture had, in his view, no political significance and did not constitute a lack of respect towards Morocco.
Like his teammates and the Villarreal players, Abde wore a shirt displaying the message “Todos somos caballas” before the match, as part of a solidarity initiative for the residents of Ceuta. The gesture prompted numerous reactions on social media, leading the Moroccan player to issue a statement to clarify his position.
“At no time was the shirt referencing the people of Ceuta used for a political purpose or to disrespect my people, the Moroccan people,” explained the Betis winger. Abde clarified that it was solely “a socially-oriented shirt,” intended to support a population going through a difficult time, regardless of the nationality of its inhabitants.
The Lion of the Atlas also wanted to dismiss any notion of apologies in his message. “This is not an excuse to anyone. Anyone wishing to use this situation to question my love for my country is free to do so,” he continued, before reaffirming his attachment to Morocco: “I will continue to live each day with my head held high and to represent my roots with pride and sacrifice.”
A particularly firm clarification from Abde, who seeks to dissociate this solidarity initiative from any political considerations. Several Spanish media outlets also confirmed that the player had been the target of numerous criticisms and threats after the match.
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