Former New York Red Bulls striker Patryk Klimala denies Nazi salute in Israel, saying celebration of his goal was ‘completely misunderstood by some fans’
- Patryk Klimala scored against Hapoel Jerusalem to give his side a 2-1 lead
- And his celebration has sparked anger and forced an apology from him
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Ex-Red Bulls striker Patryk Klimala denied giving a Nazi salute after scoring on Saturday during a game vs. Hapoel Jerusalem.
The Hapoel Be’er Sheva player found the back of the net after 54 minutes and then waved to his team’s fans.
While the celebration angered many on social media, Klimala insisted it wasn’t what it seemed and he wanted to “hail our fans.”
“My gesture during the goal celebration was completely misunderstood by some spectators,” he wrote on Instagram.
‘As a Pole, who respects the history of both countries, I would never think of giving the Nazi salute. When I lived in Poland I visited Auschwitz-Birkenau camp and I fully realize the importance of history and Jewish heritage.
Patryk Klimala performed the above celebration (left), but the declined gesture was a Nazi salute
Klimala played for the Red Bulls from 2021-22 after joining from Scottish giants Celtic
“After my goal I just wanted to say hello to our fans. Surely there was nothing else behind it. I’m sorry if anyone took it the wrong way.
Finally, this is a great opportunity to thank our amazing fans once again for all the support and I’m glad we got another important win. Nice week.’
Klimala’s gesture and apology come after a racism scandal rocked his former team this month.
Red Bulls striker Dante Vanzeir admitted making a racist remark against the earthquakes on April 8, after which he was suspended for six games by MLS.
New York Red Bulls forward Dante Vanzeir has been suspended for six games by MLS
San Jose player Jeremy Ebobisse said he heard a racist comment after the game, and footage showed players on both sides reacting by pushing Vanzeir away from a scuffle after the word was said.
Vanzeir was also fined an undisclosed amount and will be required to participate in additional league-mandated training and education sessions.
Klimala played two seasons for New York from 2021-22 before joining Hapoel Be’er Sheva this winter.
He scored 13 goals in 57 league matches.