Ex-Prem star and Man Utd transfer target suspended by new club over social media post
Mainz footballer Anwar El Ghazi, who was linked with a move to Manchester United a few weeks ago, has been suspended after uploading a controversial post about the Israel-Hamas conflict to social media
Former Aston Villa star Anwar El Ghazi has been suspended by Bundesliga club Mainz after uploading a controversial message about the conflict in Israel and Palestine to social media.
The Holland international, who is a practicing Muslim, has been removed from training and matchday duties indefinitely after posting a pro-Palestine message on Instagram on Sunday. The post contained the words 'from the river to the sea' which is considered by many to be an anti-Semitic phrase.
In a statement, Mainz said El Ghazi "took a position" on the conflict "that was deemed unacceptable", even after being warned not to by the club. The German outfit added that although they "respect the fact there are varying perspectives" on what they described as a "complex" situation, they have chosen to distance themselves from the since-deleted post as it did not "align with the values of the club".
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El Ghazi, who was linked with a move to Manchester United in the summer, has only been at Mainz for a few weeks. He joined the club on a free transfer in September after his contract at PSV was terminated by mutual consent earlier in the month.
The winger spent five seasons at Aston Villa, having joined them initially on loan in 2018 before making the move permanent a year later. He scored 26 goals in 119 games for the Villains before leaving for PSV in 2022. He also spent a few months on loan at Everton during the 2021/22 season, but made just two appearances for the club.
He featured in two matches for the Netherlands back in 2015 while playing for Ajax, but hasn't earned a single cap since. 12 months ago El Ghazi confirmed he was considering switching allegiances to Morocco.
Israel is currently at war with Hamas, the terrorist group governing the Gaza Strip of the Palestinian territories. Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, killing more than 1,300 people and taking hundreds of women and children hostage. Israel responded with air strikes on Gaza killing thousands more.

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The bloody conflict has raised tensions between Jewish and Islamic communities across the world, sparking demonstrations from supporters on both sides. The FA were criticised for failing to illuminate the Wembley arch in Israel colours ahead of England's clash with Australia on Friday, after doing so in response to recent terror attacks in France and Turkey.