Hundreds of fans have gone to the social media to show massive support for Dutch Muslim player Anwar El Ghazi after Bundesliga Mainz FC terminated his contract due to his pro-Palestine posts .
El Ghazi, joined Mainz 05 from PSV Eindhoven in November, said in a post on social media after termination, “Stand for what is right, even if it means standing alone.”
“The loss of my livelihood is nothing when compared to the hell being unleashed on the innocent and vulnerable in Gaza,” he said, First Sportz reported.
— Anwar El Ghazi (@elghazi1995) November 3, 2023
📚 Read Also: Over 800 International Law Scholars Warn of Potential Genocide in Gaza
Before his contract was terminated, the footballer also faced accusations from German prosecutors of “disrupting public order by endorsing criminal activities alongside promoting hatred” through his social media posts.
The club’s decision has caused an uproar on social media, with pledging support to the player.
Players didn’t get suspended for supporting Ukraine, for beating up their wives or girlfriends, etc, but apparently Anwar El Ghazi speaking up against the k*lling of babies is unacceptable.
— Jhon (@NAQVl) November 3, 2023
I hope Mainz get relegated and never return to the top-flight.
Proud of you, Anwar! 💜 pic.twitter.com/LGJv1qx7mE
Anwar El Ghazi is probably the only Footballer who hasn’t apologised for standing with Palestine and even stood on it, may Allah give him something better pic.twitter.com/VtfjpyLywn
— 🔻 (@MussoliniEra) November 1, 2023
I hope we never forget the day Mainz 05 fired Anwar El Ghazi for publicly support the Palestinian cause against the genocide and war crimes committed by Israel. https://t.co/8vTVAb9XxO
— Leyla Hamed (@leylahamed) November 3, 2023
How does Germany translate @elghazi1995 ‘s post to hate speech and approval of criminal acts?!?! The country is so hyperfixated on Israel that it makes absolute zero sense. #anwarelghazi @1FSVMainz05 @Mainz05en pic.twitter.com/q3F5qIOORK
— Mona Zaneefer 🇵🇸 (@monazaneefer) November 3, 2023
Footballer anwar el ghazi was fired from his German football club for showing support for Palestine.
— Sharif Abulaith (@sharifabulaith) November 4, 2023
This is the same Germany whose FA was so vociferous with regards to Qatar hosting the World Cup. Pretty pathetic. pic.twitter.com/Fze6x06ltU
📚 Read Also: Muslim Athletes Under Fire for Supporting Palestine
Several clubs have taken action against players for speaking out against the Israeli attacks on Gaza.
The 2022 Ballon d’Or recipient and former Real Madrid star, Karim Benzema he has been accused of having ties with The Muslim Brotherhood just for the prayers he posted for the people of Gaza.
Nice defender Youcef Atal was also investigated by prosecutors in France after allegedly posting an “anti-Semitic” video on social media relating to war on Gaza.