Dutch Footballer El-Ghazi Suspended by German Club for Pro-Palestine Post
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Dutch footballer Anwar El Ghazi has been suspended by his German club, Mainz 05, for a pro-Palestinian post deemed "unacceptable by the club," which said it did not "align with the values of the club."
El-Ghazi, who is of Moroccan origin and has represented the Netherlands twice, only signed for Mainz 05 at the end of September and has previously played for Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven and Ajax, as well as Premier League clubs Aston Villa and Everton.
The footballer had posted a message that concluded with "Palestine will be free."
Palestinians in Germany and their supporters have raised concerns about a clampdown on pro-Palestinian expression in the country, with pro-Palestinian protests not being permitted.
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation into the hospital bombing in Gaza.
He said, "I am horrified by the images of the explosion in a hospital in Gaza. Innocent civilians were injured and killed. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims."
Scholz added, "A thorough investigation of the incident is imperative."
