Sydney FC under fire as A-League club signs controversial player Patryk Klimala accused of using a Nazi salute during a match

Sydney FC has come under fire after signing a former Celtic superstar with a questionable past, accused of using a Nazi salute in a match while playing in Israel last year.

The Sky Blues have signed former Celtic and New York Red Bulls striker Patryk Klimala for the 2024/25 A-League men’s season, just weeks after confirming the arrival of Douglas Costa.

The 26-year-old won the Scottish Premiership with Celtic and two Scottish Cups during his time at Parkhead and has played 11 times for Poland’s under 21’s scoring four goals. 

But the big-name signing also comes saddled with controversy after a goal celebration in 2023. 

Polish striker Klimala recently issued an apology following accusations of making a Nazi salute during a match in Israel. 

After scoring a goal against Hapoel Jerusalem, Klimala raised a hand in celebration, which some Israeli fans misinterpreted as an offensive gesture. 

This misunderstanding led to widespread online criticism directed at the 24-year-old player.

Klimala’s career includes a stint at Celtic, where he joined from Jagiellonia Bialystok for £3.5million [$6.8million AUD]. 

During his 16 months with the club, he scored three goals in 27 appearances. He later moved to the MLS with New York Red Bulls before joining Hapoel Be’er Sheva in Israel, and eventually returned to Poland with Slask Wroclaw.

In the match against Hapoel Jerusalem, Klimala scored in the 54th minute and celebrated by gesturing towards his team’s supporters. 

Klimala has now signed for Sydney FC after his transfer to Belgium club Standard Liège

Footage of the incident has resurfaced on social media, with one post including the caption ‘Oopsie @SydneyFC’.

Despite the backlash on social media, Klimala clarified that his intention was merely to greet the fans, not to convey any offensive message.

‘My gesture during the goal celebration was completely misunderstood by some spectators,’ he wrote on Instagram.

‘As a Pole, who respects the history of both countries, I would never even think about performing the Nazi salute. While living in Poland, I visited the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp and I fully realise the importance of history and Jewish heritage.

‘After my goal, I just wanted to greet our fans. There was surely nothing else beyond it. I’m sorry if anyone took it the wrong way.

‘Lastly, this is a great opportunity to thank our great fans again for all of the support and I’m happy we got another important win. Have a nice week.’

Klimala’s apology was not enough to save his reported transfer to Standard Liège in the Belgian Pro League.

Slask Wroclaw president Patryk Załeczny said: ‘The transfer will now not take place.

‘A change of environment will be good for Patryk, although of course, we do not take away from the fact that he is a really good player.’

Instead he has landed on loan at Sydney FC. The club has been contacted for comment.

‘I’m thrilled to be joining Sydney FC at an extremely exciting time for the club and for the A-League,’ Klimala said this week.

‘I’ve heard a lot about the passion for football in Australia, and I’m excited by Sydney FC’s playing style which suits my game, as well as our Asian Champions League campaign.

‘I understand Sydney FC has a rich history of winning trophies and I’m eager to contribute and create a legacy.

‘In short, I can’t wait to experience life down under.’