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

Sydney FC are under fire after signing a former Celtic superstar with a dubious past, with the player accused of using the Hitler salute during a match 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 Premier League with Celtic and two Scottish Cups during his time at Parkhead, and has made 11 appearances for the Poland Under-21s, scoring four goals.

But the big name also causes controversy after a goal celebration in 2023.

Polish striker Klimala recently apologized after being accused of giving the Hitler salute during a match in Israel.

After Klimala scored a goal against Hapoel Jerusalem, he raised his hand to celebrate the goal, which some Israeli fans saw as an insulting gesture.

This misunderstanding led to a lot of online criticism of the 24-year-old player.

Klimala played for Celtic, where he joined from Jagiellonia Bialystok for £3.5 million ($6.8 million 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 returning 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.

Polish star Patryk Klimala was criticised for this hand gesture during a match in Israel

Klimala has now signed for Sydney FC following his transfer to Belgian club Standard Liege

Footage of the incident has surfaced on social media, with one post captioned ‘Oops @SydneyFC’.

Despite the negative reactions on social media, Klimala made it clear that his intention was only to greet the fans and not to convey any offensive message.

“My gesture during the celebration of the goal was completely misunderstood by some spectators,” he wrote on Instagram.

‘As a Pole who respects the history of both countries, I would never think of giving the Hitler salute. When I lived in Poland, I visited the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp and I fully understand how important history and Jewish heritage are.

‘After my goal I just wanted to greet our fans. I guess there was no other option. I’m sorry if anyone took it the wrong way.

‘Finally, this is a great opportunity to thank our great fans again for all the support and I’m happy that we achieved another important victory. Have a great week.’

Klimala’s apologies were not enough to save his transfer to Standard Liège in the Belgian Pro League.

Patryk Załeczny, chairman of Slask Wroclaw, said: ‘The transfer will not take place now.

‘A change of scenery will be good for Patryk, although of course we cannot deny that he is a very good player.’

Instead, he has been loaned to Sydney FC. The club has been approached for comment.

“I am absolutely delighted to be joining Sydney FC at a very exciting time for the club and the A-League,” Klimala said this week.

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

‘I know Sydney FC has a rich history of winning trophies and I want to play my part and create a legacy.

‘In short, I can’t wait to experience life ‘Down Under.’