Mainz 05 forward Anwar El Ghazi has caused confusion for his Bundesliga club with a new statement regarding the Israel-Hamas war. This comes just days after he was sanctioned for posting another comment about the conflict on social media. Despite being cleared to return to training after showing remorse, El Ghazi posted another statement that the club finds “incomprehensible” and will now examine from a legal perspective.
El Ghazi wrote, “For the avoidance of doubt, my statement on 27 October 2023 was my only and final statement both to FSV Mainz 05 and the public relating to the social media posts made by me over the last few weeks.” He emphasized that any other statements, comments, or apologies attributed to him are not factual and have not been made or authorized by him. He maintains his position against war, violence, discrimination, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, genocide, apartheid, occupation, and oppression.
El Ghazi expressed that he has “no regrets or remorse” regarding his position and refuses to distance himself from his previous statements. The player, who joined Mainz in September, had been suspended on October 17 for a post he has since deleted.
In his latest statement, El Ghazi stated, “I do not owe special responsibility to any state. I do not believe any people or states are beyond question and accountability, nor are they above international law.” He called for an end to the killing in Gaza and highlighted the high number of children who have lost their lives.
The hostilities between Israel and Hamas were triggered by a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 300 soldiers and 1,100 civilians, according to Israel. The Gaza health ministry reports that at least 8,796 Palestinians, including 3,648 children, have been killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza since then.
Mainz responded to El Ghazi’s statement by expressing surprise and incomprehension. The club will legally examine the issue and evaluate it. El Ghazi is currently not participating in training as he registered sick.
Mainz, currently in last place in the Bundesliga with three points and no league wins this season, will face RB Leipzig on Saturday.
