Anwar El Ghazi: Mainz loses the appeal before the court in the case of the arbitrary expulsion of the Dutch winger

Al-Ghazi was originally suspended by Mainz on October 17, following a social media post that included the controversial phrase “from the river to the sea” — a pro-Palestinian message that critics say implies the destruction of Israel.

But some pro-Palestinian activists dispute this interpretation and say that most of those who say it are calling for an end to the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the blockade of Gaza, not the destruction of Israel itself.

Mainz said that Al-Ghazi’s post “took a position on the conflict in the Middle East in a way that was not acceptable to the club.”

The former Ajax, Lille, Aston Villa and Everton striker returned to the team three days later, saying he stood “for peace above all else”.

Al-Ghazi then revealed that he had not authorized a club statement confirming his return, and Mainz subsequently terminated the contract “in response to the player’s statements and posts on social media.”

After his victory in court last year, Al-Ghazi pledged €500,000 (£441,000) of his salary from the club to “fund projects for children in Gaza” affected by the conflict.

“I hope that Mainz, despite their repeated failed attempts to avoid making the payment due, will take solace from knowing that, through me, they have contributed financially to trying to make life more bearable for the children of Gaza,” Al-Ghazi said in July 2024.

The 30-year-old joined Cardiff City after leaving Mainz, but now plays for Qatar’s Al Sailiya.