FORMER Celtic striker Patryk Klimala has issued an apology after he was accused of making a Nazi salute after he scored a goal in Israel.
The Polish star signed for Israeli club Hapoel Be’er Sheva on a free transfer in February…less than two years after the Hoops raked in £3.4 million for him.
He netted for the third game in a row as he helped Hapoel Be’er Sheva to a 2-1 win at Hapoel Jerusalem, but immediately raised one hand in celebration to his club’s fans behind the goal.
But he was then the subject of a storm of criticism online from Israeli fans who understood his gesture to be a Nazi salute and attacked the 24-year-old.
It forced Klimala into making a statement as he tried to explain his celebrations.
Klimala said: “My gesture during the goal celebration was completely misunderstood.
“As a Pole who respects the history of both countries, I would never even think of doing the Nazi salute.
“While living in Poland, I visited the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and I am fully aware of the importance of the history of Jewish heritage.
“After my goal, I just wanted to say hello to our fans. Other than that, it certainly wasn’t anything else.
“Sorry if anyone took it the wrong way.
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“Last but not least, this is a great opportunity to thank our fans again for all their support and I’m happy to say we’ve had another great win.”
Klimala was at Celtic for 16 months after he cost them £3.5 million from Jagiellonia Bialystok three years ago and scored just three goals in 27 appearances before moving to the MLS with New York Red Bulls and then on to Israeli football.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
