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The Kabadayi Case and Schalke 04’s Solidarity with the Jewish Community

By Arthur Fernandes

GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY - OCTOBER 8: Yusuf Kabadayi of FC Schalke 04 injured with blood on the face during the Second Bundesliga match between FC Schalke 04 and Hertha BSC at Veltins Arena on October 8, 2023 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian El-Saqqa - firo sportphoto/Getty Images)
GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY - OCTOBER 8: Yusuf Kabadayi of FC Schalke 04 injured with blood on the face during the Second Bundesliga match between FC Schalke 04 and Hertha BSC at Veltins Arena on October 8, 2023 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian El-Saqqa - firo sportphoto/Getty Images) /
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Soccer often transcends the four lines of the field and enters sensitive and political territories. A recent incident involving Schalke 04 player Yusuf Kabadayi brings forth complex questions of identity, culture, and solidarity.

Kabadayi, on loan from Bayern, caused a stir on social media by posting an image on his Instagram account, in which he held Palestinian flags and raised fists with the message ‘I stand with Palestine.’ This gesture came shortly after the Hamas attacks on Israel, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of innocent people. Schalke 04’s reaction was swift and firm, distancing themselves immediately from their player’s action.

Historically, Schalke 04 maintains a close friendship with the Jewish community in Gelsenkirchen. The team has never hesitated to condemn terrorist attacks and has expressed unwavering support for Israel. This commitment is rooted in values of solidarity and empathy for the victims, who are the Jews that have suffered from the brutal attacks by Hamas.

GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY – OCTOBER 8: Yusuf Kabadayi of FC Schalke 04 celebrates after scoring his teams first goal during the Second Bundesliga match between FC Schalke 04 and Hertha BSC at Veltins Arena on October 8, 2023 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian El-Saqqa – firo sportphoto/Getty Images)
GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY – OCTOBER 8: Yusuf Kabadayi of FC Schalke 04 celebrates after scoring his teams first goal during the Second Bundesliga match between FC Schalke 04 and Hertha BSC at Veltins Arena on October 8, 2023 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian El-Saqqa – firo sportphoto/Getty Images) /

It is crucial to remember that Kabadayi, despite being a talented soccer player, does not share the same identity and culture as the club. The message of solidarity expressed by Kabadayi in his Instagram post, although driven by noble intentions, appeared inappropriate and insensitive, especially in the context of the Hamas attacks. Schalke 04 is not wrong in insisting that his behavior will not be tolerated, as their stance should be unifying, in support of peace and the condemnation of any form of violence and terror.

At this critical moment, it is essential to remember that the primary victims are the Jews who have suffered from the Hamas attacks. Schalke 04, by maintaining its position in support of Israel and the Jewish community, is demonstrating its commitment to values of justice and peace.

The Kabadayi case serves as a reminder that sports are not exempt from political and cultural issues, and soccer clubs have a responsibility to take a sensitive and supportive stance toward global events. Schalke 04, with its clear stance, reaffirms its commitment to peace, justice, and the community it embraces.

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