Ex-Villa star Anwar El-Ghazi sacked after being asked to apologise for Israel-Gaza war post
Former Aston Villa and Everton winger Anwar El Ghazi has been vocal about the Israel-Gaza conflict - and will now have to leave Bundesliga outfit Mainz
Anwar El Ghazi is to have his contract terminated at Mainz following his social media posts regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The 28-year-old former Aston Villa forward was suspended by the Bundesliga club on October 17 for a now-deleted post that was called 'unacceptable' by his employers. The Netherlands international had been asked to apologise, but has now been informed that he will leave the club.
The post was pro-Palestinian in nature, with El Ghazi since taking to social media to clarify his stance having only joined the club on a free transfer from PSV back in September.
READ MORE: Inside the UK's eerie abandoned football grounds – from scrap yard to Lidl rebuild
READ MORE: Football manager who quit club for biggest rivals welcomed back with 'disgraceful' banner
He said: "I condemn the killing of all innocent civilians in Palestine and Israel.
"My sympathies are with the innocent victims of this conflict irrespective of their nationality. I am committed to a peaceful and integrated Middle East region.
"To the extent my previous statements on social media have been misunderstood, I would like to make clear that I stand for peace and humanity for all."
El Ghazi spent five years at Aston Villa in total, making 119 appearances and scoring 26 goals including 10 in the 2020/21 Premier League season. He was then loaned to Everton where he played twice before joining PSV, leaving in the summer after nine goals in 31 games last season.
He has since made five Bundesliga appearances and registered an assist in the 2-2 draw against Borussia Monchengladbach before his suspension.
On October 7, the Islamic Resistance Movement, known as Hamas, launched a large-scale invasion of Israel from the Gaza Strip.
The first direct conflict within Israel's boundaries since 1948 involved targeted attacks on civilians including a massacre at a music festival that left more than 260 dead.
In France, Nice defender Youcef Atal has been suspended for posting in relation to the ongoing conflict.