Argentine star Arnaldo Gonzalez facing jail for making anti-Semitic gestures to rival fans after he is sent off
Posted Wednesday, March 11, 2020 by Thesun.co.uk
A FOOTBALLER faces up to a month in jail after making vile anti-Semitic gestures towards opposition fans as he was sent off.
Arnaldo Gonzalez was shown a red card for attacking an opponent midway through the second half of Nuevo Chicago's clash with Atlanta in Argentina.
Arnaldo Gonzalez grabs his penis in an anti-Semitic gesture to rival fans as he is sent off
Argentinian star rubs his head in reference to the Kippah hat worn by Jewish men
As he marched off the 30-year-old midfielder grabbed his penis and rubbed his head while looking towards the jeering Atlanta supporters, who have strong links to Buenos Aires' Jewish community.
The gestures were believed to be in reference to the Jewish tradition of circumcision and the Kippah hat worn by followers of the religion.
Argentine journeyman Gonzalez could now face up to a month in jail for the outburst after the head of the National Institute Against Discrimination, Xenophobia and Racism said it may take legal action.
Gonzalez immediately took to Twitter to apologise for his actions during the heated clash, which saw three players sent off, saying he felt "truly ashamed".
He added: "I would like to apologise to the people of Atlanta and to the Jewish community.
"I have just seen the video and the truth is I am not like that, I have never reacted that way anywhere. It was in a heated moment.
"I was just sent off and received some insults and I reacted in a way that I should not have.
"I hope you know how to accept my apology and I make it public for the people of Atlanta, the Jewish community and the people of (Nueva) Chicago."
Gonzalez apologises on Twitter for his disgusting reaction to Atlanta fans
Nuevo Chicago, who are bottom of the table after losing Sunday's second tier game to league leaders Atlanta 2-0, also condemned his reaction.
As social media users called for Gonzalez's contract to be torn up, a Twitter statement by the club read: "From the New Chicago Athletic Club we repudiate the gestures made by Arnaldo Gonzalez and we will evaluate the disciplinary measures to be taken.
"We apologise to all fans of @atlantaoficial and the entire Jewish community."
According to a law passed in 1988, Gonzalez's punishment could range from a £120 fine up to a month in jail.
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