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Betis Winger Abde Targeted After Wearing Pro‑Ceuta Solidarity Shirt

His defence of the gesture shows a humanitarian message can provoke strong nationalist anger, putting players at risk.

Overview

  • Abdessamad Ezzalzouli wore a shirt reading 'We are all Caballas' in a pre-match show of support for Ceuta during Real Betis’s recent game at Villarreal.
  • He has since received insults and explicit threats on social media from some Moroccan users who called him a traitor and urged his exclusion from the national team.
  • Abde posted on Instagram on Tuesday saying the shirt was a social, non-political gesture for people suffering in Ceuta and that he will not apologise.
  • Reactions in football have been mixed, with several clubs joining the solidarity campaign while some high-profile players were seen covering or not visibly wearing the same shirts.
  • Betis plans a fundraising friendly for Ceuta on October 1 and the episode highlights how the July migrant influx to Ceuta has turned humanitarian messages into a flashpoint for Spain–Morocco tensions and player safety concerns.