Elham Asaad Buaras
Second-division German club Fortuna Düsseldorf announced on August 5 that it will not sign Israeli international Shon Weissman, following fan protests over his social media posts. The 29-year-old forward, previously linked with a move to the club, will remain with his current team, Spanish side Granada CF.
The club confirmed its decision in a brief statement shared on X, the social media platform, noting that Weissman’s past comments were “discriminatory and disrespectful” and did not align with the values the club promotes. “Signing him could damage the credibility of the club and its fan base, which embraces diversity and community,” the petition stated. It went on to suggest that other players, who better reflected the club’s ethos, would be a more appropriate fit.
A petition launched by Fortuna Düsseldorf supporters condemned the striker’s past posts as harmful to the club’s reputation and called on the club to uphold values of inclusivity and respect when considering any transfers.
Weissman, who has been a prominent figure in Israel’s national team, found himself under scrutiny after reports surfaced of posts he shared and liked on social media in October 2023.
Among these, Weissman was accused of supporting genocidal views, including a post calling for Gaza to be “wiped off the map” and a disturbing comment about the use of bombs in Gaza. In response to a photograph of detained Palestinian men, Weissman allegedly wrote, “Why the hell aren’t they being shot in the head?”
These comments led to a formal complaint being filed with the local prosecutor in Granada, where Weissman plays for Granada CF. While the posts were later deleted, Weissman’s agent insisted that they were not made by the player himself but by a social media manager who had access to his accounts. However, the damage was done, and his reputation had already been tarnished.
Weissman’s past actions have drawn widespread criticism, particularly within the context of the ongoing violence in Gaza, where Israeli military operations have drawn international condemnation. As the conflict continues, several Israeli athletes have faced backlash for publicly expressing support for military actions against Palestinians, with some even endorsing the use of violence in the region.
Weissman’s comments were seen by many as further exacerbating tensions, prompting the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) movement to claim victory in the latest example of growing international pressure on Israel and its supporters.
Fortuna Düsseldorf had reportedly been considering a deal for Weissman worth around €500,000 (£430,000), capitalizing on the decline in his market value following a disappointing season in Spain’s Segunda División.
Weissman had struggled during his time with Granada, scoring just two league goals, and his stint at US Salernitana 1919 was similarly underwhelming, as the Italian club suffered relegation from Serie A to Serie B.
Photo Israeli forward Shon Weissman will remain at Granada CF after Fortuna Düsseldorf cancelled his transfer, citing fan backlash against his controversial social media activity
(Credit: imago sportfotodienst)
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