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Turkey hails ‘goal against fascist virus’ after Ozil quits Germany side
ISTANBUL, July 23, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Turkish ministers on Monday warmly
applauded the decision of Turkish-origin German footballer Mesut Ozil to quit
the national team on the grounds of racism, with one senior minister hailing
“a goal against the virus of fascism.”
Ozil, who was born in Germany to a Turkish-origin family, had been under
fire since posing for a controversial photograph with Turkish President Recep
Tayyip Erdogan in May which sparked questions about his loyalty to Germany’s
squad ahead of the World Cup in Russia.
Breaking weeks of silence, Ozil said on Sunday he would no longer play for
Germany internationally “whilst I have this feeling of racism and
disrespect.”
The Arsenal midfielder had been heavily criticised by the leadership of the
German Football Federation (DFB) for the picture and was also blamed by some
in Germany for the team’s failure in Russia.
“I congratulate Mesut Ozil who by leaving the national team has scored the
most beautiful goal against the virus of fascism,” Justice Minister
Abdulhamit Gul wrote on Twitter.
Turkey’s Sports Minister Mehmet Kasapoglu, like Gul posting the picture of
a smiling Ozil with Erdogan, added: “We sincerely support the honourable
stance that our brother Mesut Ozil has taken”.
In a tweet posted before Ozil’s decision to leave the national side was
made public, Erdogan’s spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said the footballer’s defence
of the meeting was “a pity for those who claim to be tolerant and
multiculturalist!”
Ozil, 29, said he had been unfairly blamed in Germany for the side’s shock
group stage exit at the World Cup.
He insisted he was true to both his Turkish and German origins and did not
intend to make a political statement by appearing with Erdogan a month ahead
of elections in Turkey.
“I have two hearts, one German and one Turkish,” said Ozil.
Fellow German international Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City was also
present at the London meeting with Erdogan in May on the president’s visit to
Britain, as well as striker Cenk Tosun of Everton who was born in Germany but
represents Turkey.
BSS/AFP/MR/ 1135 hrs