The arrival of Israeli footballer Manor Solomon at Fiorentina has raised the hopes of the Viola, who are at risk of relegating Serie B, but it has immediately devolved into a political dispute in a city, Florence, where pro-Palestinian (and anti-Israel) attitudes are being strongly expressed.

Today, as Solomon—known for his messages supporting his country during the Gaza crisis—signed a contract with Fiorentina and passed his medical, a Facebook post by the provincial secretary of the Italian Left, Jacopo Madau , abruptly changed the political stance of Rocco Commisso's club. "You are not welcome in Florence," wrote Madau, who is also the Culture Councilor for Sesto Fiorentino, directly addressing the player, posting a photo of him alongside the text. Addressing users, he added: "The arrival of Israeli footballer Solomon at Fiorentina has been made official. Last but not least, anyone who has never hidden their support for Netanyahu's genocidal policies is not welcome in Florence and cannot represent our city and Fiorentina."

These words immediately sparked a flurry of comments, starting with those calling for sport to be kept separate from political controversy.

The statement prompted an immediate reaction from Israeli consul Marco Carrai, who in a message described Madau's words as "extremely serious."

Even Florentine representatives of the Italian Left, Alessandro Draghi and Stefano Mengato, raise their voices: "Being an Israeli citizen isn't a crime. What fault could a 26-year-old have for the genocide in Gaza? War divides, but sport unites."

(Unioneonline)

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