Israeli striker has contract terminated by German club for calling for 'eradicating Gaza'

On August 5, the German second-tier side released a brief statement on their platform saying they had chosen not to sign Israeli striker Shon Weissman. Therefore, Shon Weissman will continue to stay at Granada CF in the Spanish second division.

The decision comes a day after Fortuna fans asked the club's board not to sign the striker due to his controversial comments in the past.

The petition states: “Weissman’s comments, which many have found discriminatory and disrespectful, are completely contrary to the principles that Fortuna Dusseldorf stands for and strives to promote. Therefore, the signing of Shon Weissman could damage the reputation of the club and its fan base.”

According to Bild in the past, Israeli player Weissman is said to have shared and liked posts calling for "wiping Gaza off the map".

Weissman's representative later said the posts and likes were not made by the player himself, but by a social media manager with access to his account.

According to German media, Fortuna is very close to signing Weissman for around 500,000 euros.

Since the war in Gaza began, the Palestinian Football Association says at least 400 players have been killed and nearly 300 sports facilities, including stadiums and gymnasiums, have been destroyed.