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Palestinian footballer rejects Barcelona invite

Dunya News

Mahmoud Sarsak rejected Barcelonas offer to play for its upcoming game with Real Madrid.

A former Palestinian soccer player recently released from an Israeli jail has rejected an invitation by Barcelona to its upcoming game with Real Madrid.Mahmoud Sarsak rejected the invite Sunday. He was freed this year after three years in jail capped by a 90-day hunger strike. Israel says he was active in the violent Islamic Jihad group. Sarsak denies that.Barcelona invited three Palestinians to the game after complaints over their invitation to former Israeli soldier Gilad Schalit, who was held captive for several years by Gaza militants. Schalit was freed in 2011 for over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, many who were involved in deadly attacks.The other Palestinians Barcelona invited, Football Union President Jibril Rajoub and the Ambassador to Spain, confirmed attendance.Barcelona is popular with both Israelis and Palestinians.