German outfit Mainz 05 has released Dutch footballer El Ghazi after posting pro-Palestian message on Social Media, Sunday evening.
The 28-year forward joined the club a month ago and has been released for an “intolerable position” according to the German club.
In a now deleted post, the Dutch cited a phrase “From the River to the Sea” which was frowned upon and considered anti-Semitic by the club.
The club in their statement said:
“The release is a response to a now-deleted social media post by the 28-year-old
“FSV Mainz 05 releases Anwar El Ghazi from training and games. The exemption is a response to a now-deleted social media post by the 28-year-old on Sunday evening. In this, El Ghazi had taken a position on the conflict in the Middle East that was intolerable for the club. The release was preceded by a detailed discussion between the board and the player.
Mainz 05 respects that there are different perspectives on the complex Middle East conflict that has been going on for decades. However, the club distances itself from the content of the post, as it does not reflect the values of our club.”
El Ghazi, who played actively in the Premier League for Aston Villa, joined Mainz on a two year contract where he has made just three caps and an assist.