In the match between Maccabi Haifa and Villarreal (Europa League group stage), there was a moment that went viral on social media. Two visiting players boycotted the moment of silence held before the start of the match in Larnaca.

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Aissa Mandi and Ilias Ahomach refused to participate in the moment of silence held by both teams before the start of the Europa League game.

This moment was a tribute to the Israeli victims of the war with Hamas.

Villarreal played with just nine players in midfield for the minute’s silence, with Mundi and Ahomach refusing to take part.

Aissa Mandi (32 years old) was born in France, in Chalons-en-Champagne, but has Algerian citizenship and has been playing for the national team of this country since 2014.

On the other hand, Ilias Ahomach Chakkur (19 years old) was born in Els Hostalets de Pierola in Spain, is of Moroccan origin and even once played for the national under-15 team (in 2018). However, he currently plays for the Spain U21 national team.

According to AS journalists, Villarreal announced before the start of the game that his delegation will observe a moment of silence for all the victims of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The match was played behind closed doors in Larnaca, Cyprus, and Villarreal won 2:1.

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