Antonio Rudiger speaks out on astounding ISIS links made by former German media chief - as Real Madrid defender promises legal action over vile remarks

Real Madrid defender Rudiger, who is a practicing Muslim, posted a Ramadam greeting on Instagram that showed the Germany international kneeling on a prayer mat wearing a white robe and pointing upwards with his right index finger. He captioned the post: "Ramadan Mubarak to all Muslims around the world. May the almighty accept our fasting and prayers."

Former Bild chief Julian Reichelt described the gesture as an "Islamists' salute" and accused Rudiger of displaying the "ISIS-greeting of Islamists" in a lengthy post on X.

Rudiger has distanced himself from the claims in a statement: "On the occasion of the beginning of Lent, I posted a snapshot on Instagram. It has already been publicly visible for 13 days [since March 11] and has reached several million interactions without any criticism from anyone, but in recent days the photo has been used by individuals to make unfounded accusations.

"The gesture I used is called tawhid fingering. In Islam, this is considered a symbol of the unity and oneness of God. The gesture is widespread among Muslims around the world and in recent days the Federal Ministry of the Interior has classified it as non-problematic. As a devout Muslim, I practice my faith, but I firmly distance myself from any kind of extremism and accusations of Islamism. Violence and terrorism are absolutely unacceptable. I stand for peace and tolerance.”

Rudiger's management has made a complaint against Reichelt for "insult or slander, inflammatory insult and sedition," as reported byESPN. The German Football Association has also started legal action, accusing Reichelt of "online hate speech."

Reichelt is a former editor-in-chief of German newspaper Bild but was fired in 2021 after an investigation into his conduct amid allegations of abuse of power and bullying, as reported by CNN.

Rudiger has been on international duty with Germany and featured in their friendly wins over France and the Netherlands. The defender will now return to Real Madrid and continue the team's push for glory in La Liga and the Champions League, starting on Sunday against Athletic Club.