Abde Ezzalzouli's Shirt from Ceuta Sparks Controversy
Moroccan international player Abde Ezzalzouli sparked a heated debate after appearing with his Real Betis teammates in a shirt emblazoned with the phrase “TODOS SOMOS CABALLAS,” a clear reference to the residents of the occupied city of Ceuta, during the match against Villarreal.
Ezzalzouli wore the shirt alongside Real Betis players in a gesture of solidarity with the residents of occupied Ceuta, which is under Spanish administration. This move drew criticism from several Moroccan followers, given the sensitivity surrounding the issue of the occupied cities of Ceuta and Melilla in Morocco.
The match also featured another Moroccan international, Elyas Akhomach, who was on Villarreal's bench at the start of the game, while Ezzalzouli's appearance in the controversial shirt generated significant reactions on social media platforms.
The phrase “TODOS SOMOS CABALLAS” literally translates to “We are all from Ceuta,” while the term “Caballas” is a nickname for the residents of occupied Ceuta, giving the shirt meanings that extend beyond the sporting context, especially since it involves a player representing the Moroccan national team.
Ezzalzouli's action triggered a wave of reactions among Moroccan followers, with some considering that a Moroccan player wearing a phrase linked to occupied Ceuta is provocative, especially at a time when the issue of the two cities remains prominent in the Moroccan public consciousness.
