AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): German football club Mainz suspended Anwar El Ghazi over a social media post in which he voiced support for Palestine.
The 28-year-old Dutchman joined Mainz last month.
He posted a message that concluded with “Palestine will be free.”
The content of the post was deemed “unacceptable” by his club.
A statement from the Bundesliga side read: “FSV Mainz 05 have relieved Anwar El Ghazi of his training and matchday-related duties.
“The decision comes as a result of a since-deleted social media post from the 28-year-old that appeared on Sunday evening. In the post, El Ghazi took a position on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East that was deemed unacceptable by the club.
“Prior to making this decision, the club and the player had engaged in an in-depth discussion. Mainz 05 respect the fact that there are varying perspectives on the decades-long, complex conflict in the Middle East.
“However, the club are distancing themselves from the content of the social media post in question, as it does not align with the values of the club.”
Activists in Germany have raised concerns about a clampdown on pro-Palestinian expression in the country, with pro-Palestinian protests not being permitted.
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