Anwar El Ghazi SLAMS Mainz after winning case over Israel-Palestine posts

Tom Weber

• Updated: 31 Jul 2024 15:42 BST
• 4 min read

Anwar El Ghazi has lashed out at his former club Mainz after a court ruled that he was unfairly dismissed over a social media post on the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Shortly after the renewed outbreak of hostilities in October 2023, El Ghazi, having only signed for Mainz the previous month, was suspended and eventually released by the club for posting the phrase "from the river to the sea" on social media.

The popular slogan espouses the belief that all lands belonging to the historic region of Palestine ought to be free of Israeli occupation. In Germany, Israeli statehood is a delicate topic given the country's history of violence against Jewish people.

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In light of this, Mainz claimed that El Ghazi's social media posts and support of Palestinian self-determination were antithetical to the club's 'values' and released him.

However, earlier this month, a German court found that El Ghazi had been unfairly dismissed over his social media activity and ordered Mainz to pay €1.7 million in outstanding wages by July 30 to retain his services.

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The club did not do so, which means that El Ghazi's contract with Mainz has officially been terminated. He is now free to pick his next club. According to The Athletic, Championship side Cardiff City are closing in on a move to sign the Dutchman.

Following his termination, El Ghazi took to social media to hit out at the Bundesliga side, writing in a lengthy statement: "First and foremost, all praise and glory to God who I can never thank enough for the countless blessings and the strength in standing for the vulnerable, voiceless and oppressed in Gaza in the face of what has been described by many as a genocide."

"My contract with FSV Mainz has now been officially terminated today. It is difficult for me to celebrate my recent legal victory when the apocalyptic assault on the defenceless civilians and children in Gaza continues as I type this message."

"My case is a victory for freedom of speech against the unjustified and illegal actions of FSV Mainz in attempting to terminate my contract for simply standing for humanity and what is right."

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"For the sake of the brave, innocent and honourable children of Gaza who are no longer with us like Hind Rajab and Reem, we cannot allow others to silence us from speaking against atrocities and indiscriminate bombings which injure, maim and kill hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians and children."

"It would be unconscionable to remain silent whilst we witness what is happening in Gaza. No state or individual can be beyond accountability and above the law. I hope my case gives strength to others, particularly those with a platform and influence, to keep talking about Gaza and calling for an end to the decades long incarceration of a people who deserve to live in freedom and with dignity as much as any other human."

"Whilst I would sacrifice my career a million times over to stand against tyrants mercilessly killing and maiming innocent children, I am fortunate that my incarceration from doing what I love was only a matter of months. I am now ready to go again and play football at the highest level thanks to the support and love of those around me."

"In particular, I would like to thank my family, my friends and Nujum Sports for standing beside me and supporting me through the trials and tribulations of the last 9 months when the silence of many inside and outside football was deafening. Finally, to the children of Gaza, I love you and will stand for you until my last breath."