Ozil's Resignation Sparks Germany Racism Storm As Ankara Cheers
Muhammad Rameez Published July 23, 2018 | 04:56 PM
Mesut Ozil's decision to quit playing for Germany unleashed a racism storm in Berlin on Monday, but earned the applause of Ankara with a Turkish minister hailing "a goal against the virus of fascism".
Berlin, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Jul, 2018 ) :Mesut Ozil's decision to quit playing for Germany unleashed a racism storm in Berlin on Monday, but earned the applause of Ankara with a Turkish minister hailing "a goal against the virus of fascism".
After months of silence over a controversial photograph with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in May, which sparked questions about his loyalty to Germany, Ozil erupted on Sunday.
The Arsenal midfielder posted a stinging four-page statement taking aim at German Football Association (DFB) bosses, sponsors and the media.
Ozil, a key member of the squad which won the 2014 World Cup, blamed the DFB management, in particular its president Reinhard Grindel, for failing to side with him against his critics.
"In the eyes of Grindel and his supporters, I am German when we win, but I am an immigrant when we lose," Ozil wrote.
The 29-year-old said he was true to both his Turkish and German origins and insisted he did not intend to make a political statement by appearing with Erdogan just before the World Cup finals.
"I have two hearts, one German and one Turkish," said Ozil, who has been repeatedly singled out for criticism after Germany's woeful performance at the World Cup saw them crash out after the group stages.
Ozil's explosive statement, in three separate postings on Twitter and Instagram, was hailed by the Turkish government of Erdogan, who has championed a campaign against what Ankara sees as growing Islamophobia in Europe.
"I congratulate Mesut Ozil who by leaving the national team has scored the most beautiful goal against the virus of fascism," Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul wrote on Twitter.
But it was met with a mix of dismay and outrage in Germany.
Justice Minister Katarina Barley wrote on Twitter that it was an "alarm sign if a great, German footballer like Mesut Ozil no longer feels wanted in his country or represented by the DFB."
Related Topics
Recent Stories
DP World ILT20 Season 3 to begin from 11 January 2025
Sharjah Public Library unveils interactive arts and crafts journey at SCRF 2024
"Wonder Walks” show makes an enthralling debut at SCRF 2024
Remarkable Young Minds Light up the Stage at Sharjah Children’s Reading
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 12 May 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 12 May 2024
Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's visit schedule being discussed
Govt decides to procurement wheat from farmers
Deputy PM to pay 4-day visit to China from Monday
Pakistan seeks foreign investments in diverse sectors: PM
Digital transformation key priority for govt to improve tax collection: Aurangze ..
President-designate of COP29 for collective efforts to deal with climate change ..
More Stories From Sports
-
Softball gaining popularity in Pakistan: Asif Azeem
1 hour ago -
DP World ILT20 Season 3 to begin from 11 January 2025
1 hour ago -
IPC Minister praises Pak hockey team for superb performance in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup
5 hours ago -
Japan wins Sultan Azlan Shah Cup
19 hours ago -
Central Asian Volleyball League kicks off
19 hours ago -
Lahore wins National Women’s One-Day Cricket Tournament by 8 wickets
20 hours ago
-
SA Gardens, Wapda move in National Challenge final
24 hours ago -
SA Gardens to face Wapda in National Challenge Cup final on Sunday
1 day ago -
Pakistan hockey team to play Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2024 final today
1 day ago -
Mbappe says he will leave PSG at end of season
2 days ago -
Shakib claims four as Bangladesh edge Zimbabwe
2 days ago -
Austria's Grand Slam winner Thiem to retire at end of season
2 days ago