French football supports Christophe Gleizes. The day after his conviction on appeal to seven years in prison by the court of Tizi Ouzou (eastern Algeria), for “apology of terrorism”, the sports journalist can count on the solidarity of the French clubs. While the French Football Federation had expressed “its total support and solidarity” towards the Frenchman on Wednesday, the League and the clubs spoke this Thursday.
“The Professional Football League has expressed its total and unreserved support for Christophe Gleizes, recognized sports journalist, currently imprisoned in Algeria”, writes the LFP in a press release, calling for “his imminent release” and reaffirming its “attachment to the essential principles of justice, liberty and freedom of expression”.
Calling to “relay this call” and imploring football to be a “space of solidarity, freedom and humanity”, the LFP was heard by the clubs, who quickly reacted. This is particularly the case of Paris Saint-Germain which shared the press release and confirmed its “support” for Christophe Gleizes.
Olympique Lyonnais, Lille and Montpellier also wanted to share this call for the Frenchman’s release. “Le Losc joins its voice to that of French football players to denounce the captivity of sports journalist Christophe Gleizes, and reaffirms its support for press freedom,” wrote the Mastiffs. “Olympique Lyonnais joins all those involved in professional football to express its support for Christophe Gleizes, sports journalist, and to demand his rapid release,” Les Gones continued.
