FORMER Premier League star Anwar El Ghazi has been suspended by German club Mainz just one month after joining.
The Bundesliga side took action after El Ghazi made a social media post about the current conflict in Israel and Gaza.
The former Aston Villa man uploaded a pro-Palestine Instagram statement – which he has since deleted.
But Mainz have confirmed El Ghazi has been suspended, saying he’s been taken off football duties for an “unacceptable position.”
The winger, previously linked with Manchester United, only joined the Bundesliga side last month on a free transfer.
El Ghazi penned a season-long deal on September 22, three weeks after being released by Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.
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But he only played three times for his new side before Tuesday’s statement.
A post read: “Mainz have relieved Anwar El Ghazi of his training and matchday-related duties.
“The decision comes as a result of a since-deleted social media post from the 28-year-old that appeared on Sunday evening.
“In the post, El Ghazi took a position on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East that was deemed unacceptable by the club.
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“Prior to making this decision, the club and the player had engaged in an in-depth discussion.
“Mainz respect the fact that there are varying perspectives on the decades-long, complex conflict in the Middle East.
“However, the club are distancing themselves from the content of the social media post in question, as it does not align with the values of the club.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
