Hundreds of fans gathered in support of Arsenal star Mesut Ozil in Berlin, Germany on Sunday after he retired from international football, citing “racism and disrespect” over his Turkish roots.
Supporters wore ‘I Am Ozil’ T-shirts, waving Turkish and German flans in solidarity with the 29-year-old.
Ozil posted a three-piece statement explaining that he received hate mail and threats, was made a scapegoat Germany’s disappointing World Cup and felt abandoned by the German FA.
The Arsenal star revealed he has been left feeling that he is not German despite winning the World Cup for his country of birth.
The German FA admitted they could have done more to protect Ozil from abuse but rejected allegations on racist.
Ozil was criticised after posing for a photograph with Turkish president Recept Tayyip Erdogan in May.
The playmaker was born in Germany but his parents are Turkish.
Below are photographs from the demonstration.
‘I am Ozil’
German fans gathered in Berlin to show their support for Arsenal star Mesut Ozil after his recent treatment pic.twitter.com/xQ9ZWoOsrx
— Turkish Football (@Turkish_Futbol1) July 30, 2018
Fans gathered in Berlin on Sunday wearing t-shirts bearing the slogan ‘I am Ozil’ & waved Turkish flags alongside German ones in front of publishing house Axel Springer. Demonstration was designed to raise awareness for the perceived racist treatment of Ozil by the media. (DM) pic.twitter.com/mE6IQXZ32W
— AFCPressWatch (@AFCPressWatch2) July 30, 2018
German fans gathered in Berlin on Sunday wearing ‘I am Ozil’ T-shirts, waving Turkish and German flags in support of Mesut Ozil after he quit international football, citing “racism and disrespect” over his Turkish roots. pic.twitter.com/FmcJeDmxOj
— Bolarinwa Olajide (@iambolar) July 30, 2018
