Schalke 04: Bentaleb finally speaks out after indefinite suspension
The Algerian midfielder who has been suspended by Schalke 04 for more than a month now has finally spoken after being subject to a lot of criticism.
Bundesliga club Schalke 04 suspended indefinitely Nabil Bentaleb and Amine Harit without giving any reason and ordered both players to train individually.
Bentaleb, who some people assumed had been suspended for lacking discipline took to social media to express his frustration due to what he sees is unjustified punishment.
“A lot of things have been said or written during these last few hours regarding my situation at Schalke 04,” The Algerian said in a statement. “In spite of a particular sports environment and disappointing results during this season, I would like to remind everyone that I stayed professional in all circumstances. I learned with great surprise and disappointment my exclusion from the professional group without any credible justification whatsoever. Furthermore, I endured some mean criticisms, borderline racists, from a particular press, and some wannabee consultants more interested in virtual glory than real journalism.
“Fortunately, those persons represent only themselves. I would like to thank the Algerian head coach, Djamel Belmadi, the Algerian Federation of Football, and some players and supporters for their kind words and support through all of this. Because we are always stronger when united, there will be no room for racism nor any type of discrimination.”
Former Schalke player Stephen Freund had attributed the suspension of the duo to their lack of discipline because of their Arabian roots. His comments were deemed racist which forced him to apologise after receiving a wave of criticism.