Aboukhlal expelled from Toulouse selection after accusation of making woman-unfriendly statement

Footballer Zakaria Aboukhlal has been expelled from the squad by his club Toulouse. According to France’s RMC Sport, the Moroccan international had been guilty of making woman-unfriendly statements at the celebration of the cup win.

Toulouse’s female deputy mayor and alderman for sports, Laurence Arribagé is said to have asked for silence when addressing the players’ group. Aboukhlal allegedly responded by saying “women where he comes from don’t talk to men like that.

Toulouse decided Monday night to impose a suspension on Aboukhlal and begin investigating the incident. The former PSV and AZ player is training separately from the group for the time being.

Earlier this week, Aboukhlal was not part of Toulouse’s squad for the league match against Nantes because he did not want to take part in an action against homophobia.

All Ligue 1 and 2 teams played this weekend with back numbers in rainbow colors. The captain’s armbands had the same colors. It was agreed beforehand that all clubs would participate. Players who did not want to wear the shirt therefore did not come into action.

Aboukhlal put a statement online before the match, explaining his decision. “Respect is an important value for me. That applies to my approach to others, but also to my own beliefs.”