Anwar Al Ghazi Suspended By Mainz For ‘Unacceptable’ Stance On Palestine (image-twitter/elghazi1995)

Former Aston Villa player Anwar El Ghazi was suspended by Mainz over his social media post in which he took a stand with Palestine.

The 28-year-old was dismissed as a result of a since deleted social media post which he shared on Sunday evening. In his post, the Dutchman took a position on the ongoing conflict which was ‘deemed’ unacceptable by his club. A statement was released by the club saying that Anwar Al Ghazi is relieved from all training sessions and match-day duties.

Mainz 05 suspend Anwar El Ghazi. pic.twitter.com/44m5HjtBOn

— Mainz 05 English (@Mainz05en) October 17, 2023

“Prior to taking decisions, the club and the player had engaged in an in-depth discussion. Mainz 05 respect the fact that there are varying perspectives on the decades-long, complex conflict in the Middle East.

“However, the club are distancing themselves from the content of the social media post in question, as it does not align with the values of the club,” the statement read.

As per Al Arabiya, in the now-deleted Instagram post, El Ghazi wrote, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”

His Instagram post has led to strong criticism. In response to which he wrote on X, “I recently received some negative messages around my social media posts. I want to make clear that I’m standing for peace above everything. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of all the innocent victims, and those who are still missing as well as the communities who are affected by this situation.”

I recently received some negative messages around my social media posts. I want to make clear that I’m standing for peace above everything.
My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of all the innocent victims, and those who are still missing, as well as (1/4)

— Anwar El Ghazi (@elghazi1995) October 12, 2023

He also added that before passing judgement on him, he urged everyone to try and grasp the profound pain the Palestinians have endured.

He then concluded, “Let”s commit to learning, understanding, and seeking solutions grounded in knowledge, truth and justice for all”.

Former Aston Villa and Everton winger joined Mainz in the summer. He had played three league games for club after the joining on a free transfer.