Berlin ( The COW News Digital)German second-division football club Fortuna Düsseldorf has officially announced that it will not proceed with a contract for Israeli footballer Shon Weissman, citing his controversial and inflammatory remarks against Palestinians on social media as the primary reason.
The club issued a brief statement confirming that, “After thorough consideration, we have decided not to sign a contract with Shon Weissman.” The move follows widespread backlash from fans and human rights activists who launched an online petition urging the club to reconsider its decision to sign the player.
Weissman, who previously played for various European clubs, came under intense scrutiny for supporting provocative statements on social media, particularly during the escalation of violence in Gaza in late 2023. In one of the most widely circulated posts, the striker allegedly liked and shared content calling for Gaza to be “wiped off the map.”
Another post attributed to Weissman reportedly showed him commenting on a photo of two Palestinian prisoners, questioning why they had not been “shot in the head.” These remarks sparked outrage across Germany’s sporting and civil rights communities, leading to the viral petition and ultimately influencing the club’s final decision.
Fans warned that signing Weissman would tarnish the club’s reputation and alienate its diverse supporter base. Several supporters’ groups released joint statements emphasizing their commitment to equality, anti-racism, and social responsibility, values they claimed would be undermined by the player’s association with the club.
The incident comes at a time when tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict have increasingly spilled over into the world of sports. Earlier this year, several clubs and federations across Europe have faced similar pressure regarding their ties to athletes or sponsors linked to political or human rights controversies.
While Weissman has not publicly commented on the club’s decision, analysts believe the episode could jeopardize his chances of signing with European teams, particularly in countries where public opinion is sensitive to issues involving Palestine.
This decision by Fortuna Düsseldorf has been welcomed by several rights groups, who praised the club for taking a stand against hate speech and promoting inclusive values in sports.
