Mainz terminates Anwar Al-Ghazi’s contract due to Gaza’s social posts

German football club Mainz terminated the contract of Dutch striker Anwar El Ghazi on Friday following his social media posts about the war between Israel and Hamas.

Mainz’s announcement came two days after El Ghazi objected to the club’s version of events when the previous suspension was lifted. The German News Agency (DPA) reported on Friday that prosecutors in the city of Koblenz were also investigating.

Mainz suspended El Ghazi on October 17, saying he had posted and then deleted a message about the war that the club considered “unacceptable.”

The club said on Monday that his suspension had been lifted and that he would receive a reprimand. Maines said this followed talks with management and that Al-Ghazi “regrets publishing the post and also feels remorse for its negative impact.” The club added that the player “also confirmed that he does not question Israel’s right to exist.”

However, in another social media post on Wednesday, El Ghazi indicated that the club issued its statement without his permission.

“I do not regret or regret my stance,” the player wrote. “I do not distance myself from what I said and I stand today and always until my last breath with humanity and the oppressed.”

The 28-year-old El Ghazi, who previously played for PSV Eindhoven, Aston Villa and Everton, joined Mainz on a free transfer in September. He participated in three matches as a substitute for the team that occupies last place in the German League.

In response to Mainz’s announcement of the termination of his contract on Friday, Al-Ghazi posted: “Losing my livelihood is nothing compared to the hell unleashed on the innocent and vulnerable in Gaza.”