Former Moroccan Soccer Star Apologizes for Sharing Anti-Christmas Video

"The feast of the Christians, it is a feast that is repeated in whose honor? [...] They gather for an adoration other than Allah. And on the practice of blameworthy things that are done during these ceremonies. We find the blameworthy, the disobedience, the mixing. Perhaps alcohol and musical instruments, many things. [...] It is forbidden for a Muslim to attend this kind of feast, even if he has been invited," can be heard in this video posted on Mehdi Carcela’s Instagram story, before December 25, the day of the Christmas celebration. This then sparked a controversy on social media.

On Sunday, Mehdi tried to put an end to the controversy. "I am addressing you with sincerity and humility about content that was recently shared. My intention was to disseminate a subject that is close to my heart in my personal approach to learning and meditation. However, I recognize that this content may have hurt some sensitivities or caused misunderstandings. I want to assure you that this was absolutely not my intention," he says. He apologized by posting several Instagram stories. "I therefore wish to apologize to all those who may have felt hurt or misunderstood by this sharing. Islam teaches us above all mutual respect, kindness, benevolence towards others and forgiveness."

The Belgian-Moroccan player also recalls that he grew up in a Spanish and Moroccan family. "[...] and I have been immersed in multiculturalism since my childhood," he confides. "These origins have instilled in me values of mutual respect and openness. Like any believer in search of knowledge and wisdom, I am aware that the path of learning is sometimes marked by moments of haste or lack of perspective. This publication is an example of this. I learn every day to deepen my understanding of the teachings of our beautiful religion, based on mercy, forgiveness and respect."

The former Moroccan international promises to redouble his efforts to act with more wisdom in the future. "Today, I am deeply committed to a process of learning and developing my faith as well as my behavior. I know that this path is dotted with valuable lessons. This episode is one of them, and it encourages me to redouble my efforts to act with more wisdom in the future. I also want to specify that I fight any form of religious extremism. This is one of the reasons that drives me to continue my learning, to reveal the true essence of Islam, a religion of peace and tolerance, far from the prejudices nurtured by certain exaggerations or misunderstandings," continues the former Standard player.