SportsAntonio Ruediger refutes extremism allegations and calls for peace

Antonio Ruediger refutes extremism allegations and calls for peace

Antonio Ruediger denies allegations of supporting ISIS.

Images source: © Instagram | Antonio Ruediger

28 March 2024 18:03

- "I will not allow myself to be insulted and slandered," said Antonio Ruediger. Journalist Julian Reichert accused the player of supporting ISIS because of a gesture he displayed in a photo.

Antonio Ruediger is an experienced defender for Real Madrid and the German national team. The player observes Ramadan, as he is a practising Muslim. He published a photo on social media of him wearing a traditional outfit and raising his finger.

Journalist Julian Reichert accused the player of supporting the Islamic State with that gesture. ISIS is an organization whose notorious methods of operation include terrorist attacks.

"Terrorists have used this gesture for two decades. Undoubtedly, it has become a greeting of ISIS and Islamist murderers around the world. People who were killed in Berlin and brought disaster and immeasurable suffering to the world" wrote Julian Reichert on the social media platform X.

The player's first reaction was to file a lawsuit with the prosecutor's office to initiate an investigation. According to Antonio Ruediger, Julian Reichert committed "insult or defamation." Moreover, the German Football Association reported the case to the Central Office for Combating Internet Crime in Frankfurt.

Antonio Ruediger decided to speak out in an interview with the newspaper "Bild." "As a devout Muslim, I practice my faith, but I strongly distance myself from all forms of extremism and accusations of Islamism. Violence and terrorism are unacceptable. I stand for peace and tolerance," said the German.

"Many members of my family follow different religions. However, we respect each other and celebrate religious holidays together. Respect and tolerance are the basic principles we all represent in our family. I hope this explanation helps clarify misunderstandings and brings the truth to light," added Antonio Ruediger.