[ad_1]
World Cup winning midfielder Mesut Ozil has been banned from the Arsenal squad for the remainder of the season, saying on Wednesday that “loyalty is hard to come by these days.”
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta took responsibility, saying he had “failed” with German playmaker Ozil, and that his exclusion was purely “a football decision.”
However, some Arsenal fans have pointed to his comments in December 2019 about the mistreatment of Uighur Muslims in China and suggested a link to his current exile.
In his statement on social media Wednesday, Ozil, 32, wrote: “I will continue to train to the best of my ability and whenever possible I will use my voice against inhumanity and for justice.”
So what’s behind China’s suggestions?
What is the background?
In 2018, a BBC investigation revealed evidence that around one million people, mostly from China’s Uighur Muslim community, were thought to have been detained without trial in high-security prison camps.
Last December, Ozil, who is Muslim, posted a post on social media calling the Uighurs “warriors who resist persecution” and criticizing both China and the silence of Muslims in response.
Arsenal distanced themselves from midfielder Ozil’s comments that the club “is always apolitical as an organization.”
China has consistently denied mistreating Uighur Muslims in the country and says they are being educated in “vocational training centers” to combat violent religious extremism.
After his tenure, Ozil was taken out from the Chinese version of the video game Pro Evolution Soccer 2020, and the club’s next match against Manchester City was remote of the CCTV state broadcaster’s schedule.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said Ozil had been “misled by fake news” before making your comments.
Have you played for Arsenal since your original comments?
Yes.
Ozil had fallen out of favor with previous manager Unai Emery before returning to acting boss Freddie Ljungberg’s side in early December 2019.
Following Arteta’s appointment as permanent manager later that month, the same one in which Ozil made his original remarks, the German started the club’s 10 Premier League games before the coronavirus pandemic forced a three-month suspension. in March, but has not been seen. in an Arsenal jersey afterwards.
Since arriving from Real Madrid seven years ago, Ozil has scored 44 goals in 254 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners.
He said on Wednesday: “I am really deeply disappointed that I have not signed up for the Premier League season just yet.
“By signing my new contract in 2018, I pledged loyalty and fidelity to the club I love, Arsenal, and I am saddened that this was not reciprocated.
“I’ve always tried to stay positive from week to week that maybe there is a chance to come back to the team soon. That is why I have been silent until now.”
‘Ozil should look in the mirror himself’
European football expert Guillem Balague:
“I consider the suggestion that Ozil has stepped aside because of his political stance to be an intentional and very convenient distraction. He has played and been called in since he made his comments on China and Uighur Muslims. You have to look at the bigger picture. [in footballing terms].
“Why have the last two coaches struggled to find a way to fit him in? He certainly has talent, but talent is not enough in the elite.
“You have to be committed, interested, follow instructions on the field, work hard in training and in games, with and without the ball, have faith in the group and in the leader… everything you need.
“It is very easy to influence Arsenal fans by suggesting that there is a hidden agenda here, but why would two coaches go against doing what is best for their own teams by leaving Ozil out?
“Was it by chance that they needed to bring some standards that Ozil did not meet? I have the impression that Ozil should look in the mirror and be honest with what he sees.
“Ozil cannot influence matches on a regular basis and now the manager feels that it is better for the group to leave him out of the Premier League and Europa League squad.”
So why the China theory?
After his exile, some Arsenal fans suggested that Ozil had been sidelined because of his support for Uighur Muslims.
The phrase ‘Muslims in China’ was trending on social media in the immediate aftermath of Wednesday’s statement, and some have expressed concern over Arsenal’s failure to back their player.
When contacted by BBC Sport, Arsenal reiterated Arteta’s response, insisting that it was “a football decision and that alone.”
Earlier this month, Ozil raised a political point about social media once again calling for a “resolution” in the ongoing violent conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia with respect to the Nagorno Karabakh region.
His contract expires at the end of the season and he will end his stay in the Emirates, eligible only for the U23 team this season, while collecting a reported £ 350,000 a week in wages.
Ozil’s career in Germany too ended in controversy, he left international soccer in 2018 citing the “racism and disrespect” he has faced in Germany for his Turkish roots.
Former Arsenal forward Ian Wright said he was “gutted.” Ozil will not have the opportunity to play and called the situation “Sad,” while former Gunners midfielder Jack Wilshere added: “He’s one of the best players I’ve played with and it must be very frustrating for him. What a great player.
“It is a difficult moment for him, but I am sure that if it is not at Arsenal, he still has a lot to give.”
[ad_2]
