Real Madrid Defender Rudiger To Take Legal Action After Astounding ISIS Links

Antonio Rudiger is about to file a lawsuit after it was alleged by a former head of German media that he demonstrated his support for the terrorist organisation Islamic State.

Real Madrid defender Rudiger, who is a practicing Muslim, posted a Ramadam greeting on Instagram that showed the Germany international kneeling on a prayer mat wearing a white robe and pointing upwards with his right index finger. He captioned the post: “Ramadan Mubarak to all Muslims around the world. May the almighty accept our fasting and prayers.”

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Former Bild chief Julian Reichelt described the gesture as an “Islamists’ salute” and accused Rudiger of displaying the “ISIS-greeting of Islamists” in a lengthy post on X.

Rudiger has distanced himself from the claims in a statement: “On the occasion of the beginning of Lent, I posted a snapshot on Instagram. It has already been publicly visible for 13 days [since March 11] and has reached several million interactions without any criticism from anyone, but in recent days the photo has been used by individuals to make unfounded accusations.

“The gesture I used is called tawhid fingering. In Islam, this is considered a symbol of the unity and oneness of God. The gesture is widespread among Muslims around the world and in recent days the Federal Ministry of the Interior has classified it as non-problematic. As a devout Muslim, I practice my faith, but I firmly distance myself from any kind of extremism and accusations of Islamism. Violence and terrorism are absolutely unacceptable. I stand for peace and tolerance.”

Rudiger’s management has made a complaint against Reichelt for “insult or slander, inflammatory insult and sedition,” as reported by ESPN. The German Football Association has also started legal action, accusing Reichelt of “online hate speech.”

Reichelt is a former editor-in-chief of German newspaper Bild but was fired in 2021 after an investigation into his conduct amid allegations of abuse of power and bullying, as reported by CNN.

Rudiger’s management has made a complaint against Reichelt for “insult or slander, inflammatory insult and sedition,” as reported by ESPN. The German Football Association has also started legal action, accusing Reichelt of “online hate speech.”

Reichelt is a former editor-in-chief of German newspaper Bild but was fired in 2021 after an investigation into his conduct amid allegations of abuse of power and bullying, as reported by CNN.

Rudiger played in Germany’s friendly victories over France and the Netherlands when he was on international duty. Now that he’s back at Real Madrid, the defender will help the squad extend its winning streak in La Liga and the Champions League, which begins on Sunday against Athletic Club.