Gaza Comments – German court rules in player’s favour after unfair dismissal

The court ruled that El Ghazi’s statements were “protected by freedom of expression” and that Mainz’s decision to dismiss the player was unfair.

A German labor court ruled Friday that German soccer club Mainz 05 unfairly terminated the contract of its Moroccan-born Dutch winger Anwar El Ghazi over comments he made on social media about Israel’s war on Gaza.

The Mainz city court said in a statement that it had ruled in favour of El Ghazi, 29, who filed a lawsuit against the club.

🚨 German labor court rules that FSV Mainz 05’s dismissal of Anwar El Ghazi was invalid.

He was suspended, then reinstated to the team, but again said he did not regret showing his support for Palestine and his contract was terminated. pic.twitter.com/8q3ylfuvBA

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 12, 2024

The decision annulled the former Dutch international’s “extraordinary dismissal without notice”, considering that Mainz’s decision to terminate the contract “did not terminate the employment relationship” and that communication between the two parties remained in force.

For its part, the German sports agency confirmed that the court demanded that Mainz 05 pay $1.63 million for back wages and bonuses, ruling that the player could rejoin his team.

We love you Anwar El Ghazi ❤️ pic.twitter.com/zjsyC49yA7

— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) July 12, 2024

Mainz suspended El Ghazi in October after he shared social media posts following the outbreak of Israel’s war on Gaza.

The former Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, Lille, Aston Villa and Everton player used the phrase “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be liberated” in his messages.

The court ruled that El Ghazi’s statements were “protected by freedom of expression” and that Mainz’s decision to dismiss the player was unfair.

(AJA, PC)