Because of “sedition”
Public prosecutor’s office is investigating Mainz striker El Ghazi
November 3rd, 2023, 4:49 p.m
Anwar El Ghazi is suspended from his club FSV Mainz 05 after an anti-Israel Instagram post. After a discussion he is pardoned. But then the striker turns against his club. And now the public prosecutor’s office is also investigating.
The Koblenz Public Prosecutor’s Office has initiated an investigation against striker Anwar El Ghazi from Bundesliga soccer club FSV Mainz 05. “According to our assessment, there is initial suspicion against the accused of disturbing the public peace by endorsing crimes in conjunction with incitement to hatred by disseminating content,” said the Koblenz public prosecutor’s office.
Those responsible in Mainz did not want to comment on the matter to the FAZ, which first reported. Sports director Christian Heidel was visibly annoyed. “I don’t explain anything to myself anymore. I won’t make any more explanations about it. I think everyone has now noticed: This has nothing to do with football or sport anymore. This is a highly political issue, a highly legal one as well labor law issue.”
The case of Mainz striker El Ghazi had escalated. The player was initially suspended by the club after an anti-Israel Instagram post. On Monday, however, the FSV announced that El Ghazi had shown remorse and would be reintegrated after a warning. On Wednesday, El Ghazi said that he did not regret his position and indirectly accused Mainz 05 of lying. Heidel does not want to comment on the content of the case for the time being. “I have no interest in saying any wrong word that can somehow be used against us,” said the 60-year-old: “This is a case that has never happened at Mainz 05 and I deeply regret that this happened “Something can happen. But nobody at Mainz 05 can do anything about it.”
El Ghazi took sick leave on Monday. Heidel only confirmed that the 28-year-old on Saturday (3.30 p.m./Sky and in the live ticker at ntv.de) will not be in the squad against RB Leipzig. “We are talking about a case that interests the whole world. We as the board of Mainz 05 will make a statement when something has been decided and examined beforehand. I ask for your understanding that this has nothing to do with our business .”