Player put something in his mouth
Makkabi boss counts FC Bayern in the Mazraoui case
October 22, 2023, 7:03 a.m
Noussair Mazraoui is allowed to remain a Bayern professional after the much criticized pro-Palestinian internet post. A decision that is met with incomprehension by the German-Jewish sports association.
Makkabi President Alon Meyer has sharply criticized FC Bayern Munich in the Noussair Mazraoui case. The fact that the Moroccan national soccer player’s pro-Palestine post had no consequences was “absolutely out of the question and unacceptable,” said the president of the German-Jewish sports association Makkabi in ZDF’s “Sportstudio.” “When the top athletes, when the model athletes of this club, who earn millions, post something like that. They counteract the work we do tactically. We build bridges, we want to break down prejudices and they are trampled on here with a post.”
Alon Meyer
(Photo: imago/Christian Thiel)
Mazraoui had distributed a video on social networks wishing the Palestinians a victory in the conflict with Israel. After his return from the national team, FC Bayern had “a detailed and clarifying conversation” with him this week. The 25-year-old remains in the Munich squad. According to the Munich-based press release, Mazraoui condemns “every type of terrorism and every terrorist organization.” Tuchel emphasized on Saturday that the player had shown remorse and that he should not be condemned across the board.
“I am deeply disappointed! Because I have to strongly disagree with Thomas Tuchel here,” countered Meyer. Nobody is demanding a blanket decision. “But when you see the chronology of what was posted by the player, who has an immense reach. And when you see what FC Bayern made a statement after a conversation to let the player continue playing at the club without any consequences “For me, for anyone who even remotely respects our society, this is absolutely out of the question and unacceptable!” Mazraoui’s posts would take a one-sided position in the event of the Israel war, wishing the Palestinians victory. “Victory over what? – that is absolute anti-Semitism. It is an attack on our values.”
Praise for Mainz 05
The player’s apology isn’t enough for Meyer. Mazraoui’s statement made no mention of the events of October 7, when terrorists from Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, carried out a massacre of civilians in Israel. “Something is being put in his mouth. In the end, Mazraoui just says that he condemns terrorism.” There was no word of condolence or apology, said Meyer. “We have to endure hate and hatred through these posts.” If FC Bayern doesn’t manage to set an example, it would be very sad, said the Maccabi president, who spoke of a “damage for FC Bayern, for the Bundesliga and for our society.”
Meyer praised FSV Mainz 05 all the more, who released their professional Anwar El Ghazi on Tuesday after he caused a stir on Instagram with a pro-Palestine post. The club is at the bottom of the table, could use every player and has still shown moral courage to “set a clear example here”.