Spanish-Moroccan Midfielder Ilias Akhomach and Algerian Defender Aissa Mandi Refuse to Participate in Pre-Match Rituals
Aissa Mandi's Symbolic Gesture Receives Widespread Support
Barcelona's Akhomach and Villarreal's Mandi Stand in Solidarity
In a rare and powerful display of solidarity, Spanish-Moroccan midfielder Ilias Akhomach of FC Barcelona and Algerian defender Aissa Mandi of Villarreal CF have declined to participate in pre-match rituals ahead of their respective club's La Liga fixtures this weekend.
Both players cited their support for the ongoing protests in Algeria as their reason for refusing to participate in the traditional pre-match handshake and team photo. The protests, which have been ongoing since February 2019, are calling for political reforms and an end to corruption in Algeria.
Mandi's gesture has received widespread support from both within and outside the football community. The Algerian national team, which Mandi represents, released a statement expressing their solidarity with the player and his decision.
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