Public prosecutor's office investigates Mainz striker El Ghazi
The Koblenz Public Prosecutor General's Office has opened a preliminary investigation against striker Anwar El Ghazi of Bundesliga soccer team FSV Mainz 05. "According to our assessment, the accused is initially suspected of disturbing the public peace by condoning criminal acts in conjunction with incitement of the people by disseminating content," the Koblenz public prosecutor's office announced.
Those responsible at Mainz did not wish to comment on the incident to the FAZ, which had first reported on it. However, Chief Sports Officer Christian Heidel was visibly annoyed. "I'm not going to explain anything anymore. I won't be giving any more explanations either. I think everyone has realized by now that this has nothing to do with soccer or sport. This is a highly political issue, a highly legal issue and also an employment law issue."
The case of Mainz striker El Ghazi had escalated. The player had initially been suspended by the club following an anti-Israel Instagram post. On Monday, however, FSV announced that El Ghazi had shown remorse and would be reinstated following a warning. On Wednesday, however, El Ghazi declared 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 false words that could 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 something like this can happen. But nobody at Mainz 05 can do anything about it."
El Ghazi had taken sick leave on Monday. Heidel only confirmed that the 28-year-old would not be in the squad against RB Leipzig on Saturday (3.30pm/Sky and in the live ticker on ntv.de). "We are talking about a case that the whole world is interested in. As the Mainz 05 board, we will make a statement when something has been decided and checked beforehand. I ask for your understanding that this has nothing to do with our business."
In response to the controversy, some soccer fans showed hostility towards Israel due to El Ghazi's actions. Despite playing in the Soccer Bundesliga for 1.FSV Mainz 05, El Ghazi's stance on this issue has significantly impacted his role on the team.
Source: www.ntv.de
