On Instagram, former national player Mesut Özil published a section of a map of the Middle East on which Israel was clearly crossed out – this was met with massive criticism. The DFB also reacted.
On his Instagram account, former international player Mesut Özil is carrying on as if nothing had happened. Yesterday evening, he published a picture of himself on board a yacht and greeted everyone with the words: “Enjoying Istanbul.” There is a lot of rumbling going on in the background.
Özil posted a controversial picture on Instagram on Tuesday. It showed a section of a map of the Middle East on which Israel was clearly crossed out. Özil did not say it, but by erasing the Israeli state from the map he symbolized that he apparently denies the country the right to exist.
This was immediately met with sharp criticism in the Jewish community and German politics. CDU politician Julia Klöckner demanded on social media that Özil’s “Federal Cross of Merit” be withdrawn. She probably meant the Silver Laurel Leaf, which Özil received for his achievements as part of the German national team.
DFB sharply criticizes statement – but does not mention Özil by name
In response to the Instagram post, the Jewish sports association Makkabi Germany demanded “that the DFB also comment on the matter and publicly distance itself from Özil.”
The German Football Association has now commented on the content of the post. When asked, the umbrella association informed the star with: “Israel’s right to exist must not be called into question. The DFB therefore clearly distances itself from any statements in this direction.” The DFB press office did not mention Özil by name in its response – a further inquiry has so far remained unanswered.
The former footballer’s anti-Israel attitude was also heavily criticized elsewhere. CSU General Secretary Martin Huber said: “Unspeakable, unbelievable. With his open anti-Semitism and his closeness to the Grey Wolves, Mesut Özil is a textbook example of failed integration. It’s good that he no longer plays for Germany.”
Source: Stern
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