Algerian football star arrested at Paris airport after in-flight altercation

Algerian footballer, Youcef Belaïli was briefly detained at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport following an incident on board his flight, as reported by MSN on July 3rd. 

The 33-year-old Espérance Sportive de Tunis player was detained by French police on July 2nd after landing in Paris en route home from the FIFA World Cup. The altercation reportedly stemmed from his refusal to secure his young son with a seatbelt during the flight. 

Witnesses say the argument with the flight crew escalated, almost breaking into a physical confrontation, prompting police to intervene. Belaïli was handcuffed and escorted from the plane but later released, as the authorities deemed the case insufficient for prosecution.

Shortly after, Belaïli posted a defiant message on Instagram, writing “Algerian and proud, you bastards,” alongside photos of the airline staff.

His father defended him in an interview with an Algerian media outlet, claiming Belaïli was insulted by French police and targeted unfairly. “He was mistreated at the airport. It’s a disgrace to treat an international player like this over a seatbelt,” he said.

The incident follows what has been a disappointing Club World Cup performance for the Tunisian football team.

MSN, Maghrebi.org