Pellegrini defends Ezzalzouli: politics divides and football unites

Manuel Pellegrini, manager of Real Betis, has defended Morocco international Abde Ezzalzouli after the controversy that arose from the team's match against Villarreal on Monday, when players from both teams wore a shirt to support 'Ceuta under occupation'.

The Chilean coach confirmed during the press conference before the match against Getafe that he spoke with Abde Ezzalzouli about the incident, emphasizing the importance of separating football from politics.

Manuel Pellegrini said: "I spoke with Abde Ezzalzouli, as I do with all players. This is not an easy topic, but I believe that Ezzalzouli gave a very important response."

He added: "I will give my opinion not only because of this incident, but because of what football and politics represent. Football is an element of unity. No one cares about the ideology of the person standing next to them; everyone is a supporter of the same team, and football should never be a reason for division, but for unity."

Real Betis' coach stated: "Politics divides, and football unites. We must try to separate some comments that have no place. An incident occurred that can be analyzed in different ways, and let the politicians analyze it, while athletes continue to unite all countries through their clubs."

Pellegrini concluded his remarks by emphasizing the role that football can play in bringing people together and uniting fans, away from the political disputes linked to certain sporting events.