Bundesliga club FSV Mainz 05 has warned Anwar El Ghazi for his anti-Israel post and at the same time announced the return of the offensive player.
As the Rheinhessen announced on Monday, the Dutchman has distanced himself from his Instagram post in several conversations with the FSV board since his release from training and games two weeks ago.
El Ghazi regrets the publication and the negative impact on the entire club, the club said in a statement.
He also “clearly distanced himself from terrorist acts like those of Hamas.” “He emphasized his compassion for the victims of this attack as well as for all victims of this conflict. He made it clear that he does not question Israel’s right to exist.”
The war in the Middle East was triggered by an unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7th. Thousands of civilians have been killed on both sides since the conflict began. More than 200 hostages are being held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Opportunity for “rehabilitation”
Among other things, El Ghazi shared the saying “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” on Instagram. The phrase is also often used by Hamas. What is meant is that Palestine should extend from the Jordan to the Mediterranean, thus denying Israel its right to exist.
In the conversation with El Ghazi, the board emphasized “unequivocally” that “it requires its employees to commit to the club’s canon of values.” This includes a “special responsibility towards the State of Israel and the Jewish people” through German history and the history of the club with the Jewish co-founder Eugen Salomon.
Since El Ghazi showed remorse and made a commitment, the club’s culture of dealing with mistakes requires that the player be given a chance to “rehabilitate.” The 28-year-old will therefore return to training and games “promptly,” wrote the 05er.