‘Completely misunderstood’: Hapoel Be'er Sheva player Patryk Klimala denies performing Nazi salute after scoring goal against Jerusalem
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL: Hapoel Be'er Sheva player Patryk Klimala denied performing a Nazi salute after scoring a goal in an Israel Premier League match against Hapoel Jerusalem. The former New York Red Bulls striker came under fire after he raised his hands to salute fans following a goal in the 54th minute. Many social media users claimed that Klimala’s gesture resembled the Nazi salute but the athlete said his celebratory action was “completely misunderstood.”
“My gesture during the goal celebration was completely misunderstood by some spectators. As a Pole, who respects the history of both countries, I would never even think about performing the Nazi salute,” Klimala wrote on Instagram. “While living in Poland, I visited the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp and I fully realise the importance of history and Jewish heritage. After my goal, I just wanted to greet our fans. There was surely nothing else beyond it. I'm sorry if anyone took it the wrong way,” he explained. “Lastly, this is a great opportunity to thank our great fans again for all of the support and I'm happy we got another important win. Have a nice week,” the footballer concluded.
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Klimala's controversy comes following another racism scandal in his former team. Red Bulls forward Dante Vanzeir recently admitted to using a racist remark against the Earthquakes on April 8. The action prompted MLS to suspend him from six games. San Jose player Jeremy Ebobisse claimed he heard a racist comment after the game and footage showed players on both sides shoving Vanzeir away from a scuffle after his remark. Vanzeir was even fined an undisclosed amount and has been asked to participate in additional league-mandated training and education sessions, the Daily Mail reported.
‘It was never your intention’
Fans were quick to defend Klimala after he acknowledged the Nazi salute controversy on Instagram. “Don't worry, no one thought you celebrated like that,” one wrote. “Don’t worry, it was obvious you didn’t mean a Nazi salute, even though it looks bad on tv, we know it was never your intention. Keep up the good work and Yalla Hapoel,” another said. “Thanks, i knew that you just meant to thank the fans,” a third fan commented.
“We didn’t even though about that, maybe it’s some other team fans that searching to make a big issue. We love you patryk,” wrote another. One said, “Don't give a s**t about the haters. Keep going, keep winning, we love you” while another added, “We love you man stop listening to those idiots.” One fan simply commented, “We love you patryk." Another mentioned, “You are doing too much Patryk. We love you.”
Patryk Klimala joined Hapoel Be'er Sheva earlier this year
Jagiellonia Białystok signed Klimala in July 2016, where he initially played for the U19 team. He made his first team debut for Jagiellonia on September 25, 2016. Klimala was loaned to I liga side Wigry Suwalki for the 2017/18 season before being returned to Jagiellonia. He made his debut in the Europa League against Rio Ave on July 2, 2018.
Klimala signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with Celtic on January 14, 2020. He went on to sign another four-year contract with MLS side New York Red Bulls on April 22, 2021. He then moved to the Israeli side and signed with Hapoel Be'er Sheva on January 29, 2023. He scored 13 goals in 57 league appearances, the Daily Mail reported.