Ez Abde has drawn criticism from some Moroccan supporters after appearing in a T-shirt displaying “Ceuta” above the Spanish coat of arms.
The Real Betis winger was pictured wearing the shirt on Monday, around the time of the fifth matchday of the Spanish league. The images appear to have been taken before Betis’ 2-1 defeat by Villarreal.
Ceuta is regarded by some in Morocco as Moroccan territory under Spanish occupation, and the decision to wear the T-shirt prompted a backlash from sections of the country’s football community.
FRMF Xtra was among those to condemn the 24-year-old’s choice. The outlet said: “It is truly shameful to wear a shirt that recognises Ceuta as Spanish territory and to display his support.”
It also argued that Abde, who has won 37 caps and scored two goals for Morocco, could have chosen not to wear it.
Others took a different view, suggesting the player had no option but to follow the sporting instructions issued by his club.
The debate has also opened a wider discussion in Morocco about how footballers respond to contentious messages or symbols, and whether their decisions depend on their individual character. Some players may be unwilling to challenge their club, while others have previously chosen to do so.
Former Morocco international Abdelhamid El Kaoutari, who earned 13 caps, refused several years ago to wear a T-shirt carrying the slogan “Je suis Charlie”. His decision came in opposition to the campaign of condemnation that followed the 2015 attack on satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo.
In a separate case, Egypt striker Mostafa Mohamed, now at Konyaspor, refused to play last May during a day dedicated to combating homophobia. He was playing for FC Nantes at the time.
Abde’s appearance on Monday was his second for Betis this season and his first start since returning from a knee injury.
That injury, sustained before the tournament, ruled the Beni Mellal-born player out of the 2026 World Cup.