Sydney FC has come below fireplace after signing a former Celtic celebrity with a questionable previous, accused of utilizing a Nazi salute in a match whereas enjoying in Israel final 12 months.
The Sky Blues have signed former Celtic and New York Pink Bulls striker Patryk Klimala for the 2024/25 A-League males’s season, simply weeks after confirming the arrival of Douglas Costa.
The 26-year-old gained the Scottish Premiership with Celtic and two Scottish Cups throughout his time at Parkhead and has performed 11 occasions for Poland’s below 21’s scoring 4 objectives.
However the big-name signing additionally comes saddled with controversy after a purpose celebration in 2023.
Polish striker Klimala not too long ago issued an apology following accusations of constructing a Nazi salute throughout a match in Israel.
After scoring a purpose in opposition to Hapoel Jerusalem, Klimala raised a hand in celebration, which some Israeli followers misinterpreted as an offensive gesture.
This misunderstanding led to widespread on-line criticism directed on the 24-year-old participant.
Klimala’s profession features a stint at Celtic, the place he joined from Jagiellonia Bialystok for £3.5million [$6.8million AUD].
Throughout his 16 months with the membership, he scored three objectives in 27 appearances. He later moved to the MLS with New York Pink Bulls earlier than becoming a member of Hapoel Be’er Sheva in Israel, and finally returned to Poland with Slask Wroclaw.
Within the match in opposition to Hapoel Jerusalem, Klimala scored within the 54th minute and celebrated by gesturing in direction of his staff’s supporters.
Polish star Patryk Klimala got here below fireplace for this hand gesture whereas enjoying in Israel
Klimala has now signed for Sydney FC after his switch to Belgium membership Customary Liège
Footage of the incident has resurfaced on social media, with one put up together with the caption ‘Oopsie @SydneyFC’.
Regardless of the backlash on social media, Klimala clarified that his intention was merely to greet the followers, to not convey any offensive message.
‘My gesture through the purpose celebration was fully misunderstood by some spectators,’ he wrote on Instagram.
‘As a Pole, who respects the historical past of each international locations, I’d by no means even take into consideration performing the Nazi salute. Whereas dwelling in Poland, I visited the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp and I totally realise the significance of historical past and Jewish heritage.
‘After my purpose, I simply needed to greet our followers. There was absolutely nothing else past it. I am sorry if anybody took it the mistaken method.
‘Lastly, it is a nice alternative to thank our nice followers once more for the entire help and I am completely happy we bought one other essential win. Have a pleasant week.’
Klimala’s apology was not sufficient to save lots of his reported switch to Customary Liège within the Belgian Professional League.
Slask Wroclaw president Patryk Załeczny stated: ‘The switch will no longer happen.
‘A change of setting will likely be good for Patryk, though after all, we don’t take away from the truth that he’s a very good participant.’
As a substitute he has landed on mortgage at Sydney FC. The membership has been contacted for remark.
‘I am thrilled to be becoming a member of Sydney FC at a particularly thrilling time for the membership and for the A-League,’ Klimala stated this week.
‘I’ve heard so much in regards to the ardour for soccer in Australia, and I am excited by Sydney FC’s enjoying model which fits my sport, in addition to our Asian Champions League marketing campaign.
‘I perceive Sydney FC has a wealthy historical past of successful trophies and I am desperate to contribute and create a legacy.
‘In brief, I can not wait to expertise life down below.’