Former Aston Villa Forward Triumphs in Landmark Legal Battle
Former Aston Villa attacker Anwar El Ghazi has secured a decisive legal victory against his former club, Mainz 05, after a German court upheld its original ruling that he was wrongfully dismissed two years ago. The dispute centred on social media posts made by the Dutch footballer regarding the conflict in Gaza, which led to Mainz terminating his contract in 2023.
Court Rejects Mainz's Final Appeal
The Rhineland-Palatinate State Labour Court has dismissed Mainz's appeal against the initial verdict from the Mainz Labour Court, which El Ghazi won last summer. This latest decision is final, as the club cannot appeal again. As a result of the original ruling, Mainz was ordered to pay El Ghazi £1.3 million in outstanding wages, a financial obligation they must now fulfil.
In an official statement, Mainz acknowledged the court's position, stating it had "interpreted the posts objectively and, in the necessary balancing of interests, concluded that in this case freedom of expression outweighed the interests of the employer." Club president Stefan Hofmann added, "We have to accept the court's decision. However, we stand firmly by our position."
El Ghazi's 'Viva Palestina' Social Media Response
Following the verdict, El Ghazi published a lengthy and pointed statement on his social media channels. He began by mocking Mainz's poor form, writing, "Another day, another hearing, another appeal, but still the same old outcome: a loss for FSV Mainz 05. Regular defeats on the football pitch clearly aren't enough for the board of the club, so they keep coming back for more losses in the German courts!"
He expressed gratitude to the German judicial system and delivered a powerful message, stating, "Let me be clear: the statement from the serial losers, FSV Mainz 05, following their latest defeat, is as deluded as their entire dealings and proceedings against me." He strongly reaffirmed his stance, asserting that his values would never align with an organisation that "seeks to silence those standing for justice and humanity." The post concluded with the declaration, "No one is above the law. Viva Palestina!!!"
El Ghazi made 119 appearances for Aston Villa, scoring 26 goals, before spells at Everton, PSV, and eventually Mainz. After the original court decision last summer, he signed for Cardiff City, where he scored three goals in 27 Championship appearances. His contract with Cardiff expired, and he has since joined Al-Sailiya in the Qatar Stars League.
