The President of Makkabi Germany, Alon Meyer, has sharply criticized FC Bayern in its dealings with Noussair Mazraoui. FCB’s reaction was “absolutely out of the question and unacceptable.” The Central Council of Jews is calling for “visibly harsh” consequences.
It was the dominant theme last week. Noussair Mazraoui’s pro-Palestine posts caused a stir at FC Bayern. At the end The Moroccan was allowed to stay and was not suspended. Alon Meyer, the President of Makkabi Germany, sharply criticized the Munich-based company for its handling of personnel. In the ZDF sports studio he also described Mazraoui’s social media posts as “absolute anti-Semitism”.
FC Bayern’s reaction “absolutely out of the question and unacceptable”
“If you see what FC Bayern made after a conversation as a statement to let the player continue playing in the club without any consequences, for me and for anyone who even remotely respects our society, is absolutely out of the question and unacceptable “, Meyer became clear. He considers the posts shared by Mazraoui to be “absolutely problematic,” Meyer continued.
One could argue about the “lack of sensitivity,” said Meyer, but “if you then take a one-sided position and wish the Palestinians victory – victory over what? – that is absolute anti-Semitism.” Mazraoui had shared a post on Instagram last Sunday that included the words “God, help our oppressed brothers in Palestine to achieve victory.”
Central Council demands consequences for Mazraoui
The Central Council of Jews also got involved on Monday and criticized the record champions for the way they treated their defender. Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council, told the Süddeutsche Zeitung that he was demanding “visibly harsh consequences for the player”: “It cannot remain a simple report.”
Schuster explained that he had expected from Mazraoui that “a professional footballer who also serves as a role model would, against this background, unequivocally condemn Hamas terror, support Israel’s right to exist and reject anti-Semitism on German streets.” In the same statement, Schuster also praised FC Bayern for its “always clear stance towards Israel and Jewish life in Germany.”
Meyer criticizes Mazraoui’s statement: sentence says “nothing at all”.
After Mazraoui’s conversation with club officials, FC Bayern issued a statement in which the player apologized if his posts had “caused irritation.” He also condemns “every type of terrorism and every terrorist organization,” Mazraoui is quoted as saying. “There is no mention of the massacre or expression of condolences,” criticizes Maccabi President Meyer. “In no word is the State of Israel – like many others – mentioned. The name Israel, because perhaps, apparently, people don’t even recognize it and the existence of the State of Israel.”
What is particularly serious for Meyer is that there is “not a word of apology” and that, unlike FC Bayern, Mazraoui did not condemn Hamas. Meyer is certain that everyone is against terrorist organizations and terror. The question is, “whether one sees and classifies Hamas as a terrorist organization,” said the Maccabi President. This sentence says “nothing at all”.
Meyer sees not only the player’s duty, but also the club’s responsibility: “Even though FC Bayern has done so much good, it continues to seek and support proximity to the Jewish community and the State of Israel. What good does that do if… “The top athletes, the model athletes of this club, who earn millions, post something like that,” Meyer asked and gave the answer: “They counteract the work we do every day. We build bridges, want to break down prejudices and they will be included here with a post trampled underfoot.”
With Sports Information Service (SID)
In the video: Maccabi Munich – everyday Jewish football in Bavaria during times of war
Meyer suspects sporting reasons behind Mazraoui’s decision
“If the player Mazraoui had been player number 19, who had not yet played a game or played, perhaps the decision would have been made more rigorously,” said Meyer, suggesting that Mazraoui’s stay could also have had sporting reasons. The Munich team currently only has two central defenders available due to injuries. The situation is similar on the right defensive side, which is occupied by Mazraoui.
He praised yesterday’s opponent Mainz 05. After a similar posting, the Rheinhessen released Anwar El Ghazi during the week. “I can only take my imaginary hat off to Mainz 05, who are still bottom of the table with two points and can really use every man and still had the moral courage to send a clear signal here.”
That is the European perspective at BR24.
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Source: BR24Sport on the radio
October 22, 2023 – 9:54 a.m
