Court Punishes German Club for ‘Invalid’ Dismissal of Player over Support for Palestine

IQNA – Anwar El Ghazi has won a lawsuit against German Bundesliga club Mainz 05, which terminated his contract for showing support for Palestine, according to German media reports.

The Mainz Labor Court ruled that the Dutch player's statements fell within the scope of freedom of expression and deemed his dismissal "invalid."

The court ordered El Ghazi to be reinstated and to continue receiving his monthly salary of €150,000 ($163,500).

Mainz initially suspended and then warned El Ghazi in October for using the phrase "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" on Instagram.

In response to his contract termination, El Ghazi wrote on X: "Stand for what is right, even if it means standing alone."

He added, "The loss of my livelihood is nothing when compared to the hell being unleashed on innocent and vulnerable in Gaza."

Before joining Mainz, El Ghazi played for Dutch clubs Ajax and PSV Eindhoven, England's Aston Villa and Everton, and Lille in France.

More than 38,300 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed by Israeli offensive against the besieged Gaza Strip since October last year.

The brutal Israeli attacks continue despite international calls for a ceasefire.

Source: Agencies