Algerian international footballer Nabil Bentaleb has been suspended by his French club, Angers SCO. The disciplinary action, confirmed by the club on March 18, 2026, follows Bentaleb making a political gesture on the pitch after scoring a goal during a Ligue 2 match against AJ Auxerre on March 15.
The gesture, forming a 'V' with his fingers, is widely recognized as a symbol of Algeria's Hirak protest movement. The Hirak is a mass pro-democracy movement that began in 2019, leading to the resignation of long-time President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. The movement has continued to call for broader political reforms.
In an official statement, Angers SCO cited a breach of internal rules prohibiting political or religious statements as the reason for the suspension. The club stated the decision was made to preserve its sporting project and the serenity of the locker room. The length of the suspension has not been publicly specified.
The incident has sparked significant debate in Algeria and among football observers, highlighting the ongoing tension between sport and political expression. Bentaleb, who has 35 caps for the Algerian national team, has not made a public statement following the suspension.
