Mainz 05 have pulled the plug on the contract of Anwar El Ghazi for his continuous support of Palestine on social media, amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
The German club confirmed the termination of El Ghazi’s contract, having initially suspended the Dutchman on October 17, 2023.
His suspension came to the fore due to a now-deleted post on social media which was thought to be pro-Palestine.
Following the post shared by Anwar El Ghazi, Mainz 05 proceeded to lift the former Aston Villa man’s suspension on Monday, October 30, 2023.
Anwar El Ghazi after his contract was terminated by Mainz 05
After the termination of his contract, El Ghazi took to social media on Friday, November 3, 2023, to express his unflinching support for Palestine.
He wrote: “The loss of my livelihood is nothing when compared to the hell being unleashed on the innocent and vulnerable in Gaza #stopthekilling.”
Mainz 05 statement confirming the dismissal of Anwar El Ghazi read: “FSV Mainz 05 is ending the contractual relationship with Anwar El Ghazi and terminated the player with immediate effect on Friday.
“The club is taking this measure in response to the player’s statements and posts on social media.”
The German club’s statement when they opted to bring back Anwar El Ghazi also read:
“Given his commitment to upholding the club’s values and the remorse shown, and in keeping with the club’s culture of using mistakes as an opportunity to learn, Anwar El Ghazi will return to training and matchday-related activities with FSV Mainz 05 soon.”
Additionally, Mainz 04 claimed that El Ghazi “regrets” his actions in publishing those posts, and was “remorseful about its negative impact, especially on the club as a whole.”
Anwar El Ghazi joined Mainz 05 on a free transfer on September 22, 2023. He made only 3 appearances for the club and provided 1 assist before his contract was terminated.
In an excerpt from a statement shared on Instagram by the 28-year-old, he emphasized that he “stands for peace and humanity for all.”
In that statement, he also condemned the killing of all “innocent civilians in Palestine and Israel”.
The former Everton man also claimed that his previous statements on social media have been “misunderstood”.
Anwar El Ghazi football career
Anwar El Ghazi has amassed 301 appearances so far in his career, playing for notable teams like Aston Villa, Everton, Ajax, Lille, and PSV Eindhoven.
The 28-year-old has scored 64 goals and provided 39 assists thus far in his football career.
Internationally, El Ghazi has made 2 appearances for the Netherlands, scoring no goal and providing 1 assist.
He has also had an Okay career in terms of trophies, winning 1 KNVB Cup and 1 Johan Cruyff Shield.
Meanwhile, Mainz 05 welcome RB Leipzig to the MEWA Arena, in their next league encounter on Saturday, November 4, 2023.
