- Klimala is second massive title signing after Douglas Costa
- Was on the centre of big scandal that price him a switch to Belgium
- Is searching for a contemporary begin on the Australian powerhouse membership
Sydney FC has come underneath hearth after signing a former Celtic famous person with a questionable previous, accused of utilizing a Nazi salute in a match whereas taking part in in Israel final yr.
The Sky Blues have signed former Celtic and New York Crimson Bulls striker Patryk Klimala for the 2024/25 A-League males’s season, simply weeks after confirming the arrival of Douglas Costa.
The 26-year-old gained the Scottish Premiership with Celtic and two Scottish Cups throughout his time at Parkhead and has performed 11 occasions for Poland’s underneath 21’s scoring 4 targets.
However the big-name signing additionally comes saddled with controversy after a objective celebration in 2023.
Polish striker Klimala just lately issued an apology following accusations of constructing a Nazi salute throughout a match in Israel.
After scoring a objective towards Hapoel Jerusalem, Klimala raised a hand in celebration, which some Israeli followers misinterpreted as an offensive gesture.
This misunderstanding led to widespread on-line criticism directed on the 24-year-old participant.
Klimala’s profession features a stint at Celtic, the place he joined from Jagiellonia Bialystok for £3.5million [$6.8million AUD].
Throughout his 16 months with the membership, he scored three targets in 27 appearances. He later moved to the MLS with New York Crimson Bulls earlier than becoming a member of Hapoel Be’er Sheva in Israel, and ultimately returned to Poland with Slask Wroclaw.
Within the match towards Hapoel Jerusalem, Klimala scored within the 54th minute and celebrated by gesturing in direction of his group’s supporters.
Polish star Patryk Klimala got here underneath hearth for this hand gesture whereas taking part in in Israel
Klimala has now signed for Sydney FC after his switch to Belgium membership Normal Liège
Footage of the incident has resurfaced on social media, with one put up together with the caption ‘Oopsie @SydneyFC’.
Regardless of the backlash on social media, Klimala clarified that his intention was merely to greet the followers, to not convey any offensive message.
‘My gesture in the course of the objective celebration was fully misunderstood by some spectators,’ he wrote on Instagram.
‘As a Pole, who respects the historical past of each international locations, I might by no means even take into consideration performing the Nazi salute. Whereas dwelling in Poland, I visited the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp and I totally realise the significance of historical past and Jewish heritage.
‘After my objective, I simply wished to greet our followers. There was absolutely nothing else past it. I am sorry if anybody took it the flawed method.
‘Lastly, it is a nice alternative to thank our nice followers once more for the entire help and I am glad we obtained one other necessary win. Have a pleasant week.’
Klimala’s apology was not sufficient to avoid wasting his reported switch to Normal Liège within the Belgian Professional League.
Slask Wroclaw president Patryk Załeczny stated: ‘The switch will no longer happen.
‘A change of atmosphere might be good for Patryk, though in fact, we don’t take away from the truth that he’s a extremely good participant.’
As an alternative he has landed on mortgage at Sydney FC. The membership has been contacted for remark.
‘I am thrilled to be becoming a member of Sydney FC at a particularly thrilling time for the membership and for the A-League,’ Klimala stated this week.
‘I’ve heard rather a lot in regards to the ardour for soccer in Australia, and I am excited by Sydney FC’s taking part in model which fits my sport, in addition to our Asian Champions League marketing campaign.
‘I perceive Sydney FC has a wealthy historical past of successful trophies and I am wanting to contribute and create a legacy.
‘In brief, I can not wait to expertise life down underneath.’
