Anwar El Ghazi has contract ended by Mainz over Gaza social media posts

Mainz have terminated Anwar El Ghazi’s contract following the forward’s social media posts in connection with the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The Dutchman was suspended in October following an earlier comment about the conflict in Israel and Gaza but had been cleared to return to training on Monday after showing remorse.

However, El Ghazi posted a new statement on Wednesday that the German club said was ‘incomprehensible’ and that they would examine it from a legal perspective.

“My position remains the same as it was when this started,” El Ghazi wrote.

“I am against war and violence. I am against the killing of all innocent civilians. I am against all forms of discrimination. I am against Islamophobia. I am against anti-Semitism. I am against genocide. I am against apartheid. I am against occupation. I am against oppression.”

The 28-year-old El Ghazi, who has previously played for Aston Villa and Ajax, added that he had “no regrets or remorse” regarding his position and refused to distance himself from what he had previously said.

In a statement, Mainz said the player’s contract had been terminated as a result of his statements and posts on social media without specifying.

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“Stand for what is right, even if it means standing alone. The loss of my livelihood is nothing when compared to the hell being unleashed on innocent and vulnerable in Gaza,” El Ghazi posted on Instagram later on Friday.