“Stand for what is right, even if it means standing alone” – Anwar El Ghazi speaks up as Mainz terminates his contract over pro-Palestinian statements

Fans have shown mass support for Anwar El Ghazi following contract termination.

“Stand for what is right, even if it means standing alone” – Anwar El Ghazi speaks up as Mainz terminates his contract over pro-Palestinian statements

Anwar El Ghazi & his message on Twitter. (Image via X/@FabrizioRomano)

The Middle East has had severe ramifications for the footballing community. Some players like Noussair Mazraoui and Youcef Atal got in trouble- he got a 7-match ban. Anwar El Ghazi also faced sanctions for his comments.

El Ghazi joined Mainz 05 from PSV Eindhoven in November. A few weeks after his signing, the player faced severe criticism for posting a pro-Palestinian message via his Instagram. Moreover, the club decided to suspend the player with rumors circulating about terminating his contract.

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However, his suspension was recalled and the player re-joined the club. El Ghazi admitted that he ‘did not regret’ his decision to stand with Palestine. This, however, caused further controversy, which ultimately resulted in Mainz deciding to terminate his contract.

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It is understood that the club have terminated El Ghazi’s contract with ‘immediate effect’. The decision has caused an uproar on social media, with many criticizing Mainz’s decision to sack the Dutchman.

Anwar El Ghazi’s strong message after club terminates contract

28-year-old Anwar El Ghazi saw his contract with Mainz 05 get terminated with immediate effect. He called the bombings in Gaza ‘genocide’ and ‘mass destruction’ and this is what forced the club to act on his suspension. Even though the club reinstated him into the squad, his unwillingness to ‘apologize’ for his post led to his suspension.

Anwar El Ghazi (via X/@WestHamFaithfuls)

Following his suspension, the player posted a strong message on social media. In a heartfelt message, he said: 

Stand for what is right, even if it means standing alone. The loss of my livelihood is nothing compared to the hell being unleashed on the innocent and vulnerable in Gaza. #stopthekilling

Several fans on social media have pledged their support to the player following his termination.

Furthermore, in a prior post, El Ghazi firmly denied any rumors of an apology to the club. He stated that he has no ‘regret’ or ‘remorse’ for his stance and stands by his previous statements. Currently, with strong fan support, it’s uncertain what lies ahead for him. However, his current position is quite clear.

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