Düsseldorf Cancels Weissman Signing After Fan Backlash

Fortuna Düsseldorf, a German second-division soccer club, canceled the signing of Israeli striker Shon Weissman after fan backlash over his controversial social media posts following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. Weissman's posts, which called for extreme military action in Gaza, were later deleted and he attributed them to emotional distress. Despite initial attempts by the club to defend Weissman and provide context, organized fan protests and online petitions led to the cancellation, even after he had completed a medical and prepared an apology statement. Weissman responded by expressing grief over the October 7 attack and claimed his remarks were taken out of context. The incident underscores the significant influence of fan sentiment on club decisions and the scrutiny faced by athletes regarding public statements during the Gaza conflict.