【Text/Observer Network Deng Ruikan】
On the evening of Yesterday (December 13), Beijing time, former German international Ozil, who currently plays for Arsenal in the Premier League, posted content about the "East Turkistan" forces and Xinjiang on several of his social media (Twitter, Ins, etc.).
As a Native German of Turkish origin, Ozil uses both passages in Turkish. According to an English version of Turkey's state-run Anadolu News Agency, Ozil spread rumors often fabricated by overseas Xinjiang separatist forces and distorted the actual situation in Xinjiang. In addition to expressing sympathy and support for separatists, it also instigated interference in China's internal affairs.
The background of the text is consistent with the flag pattern of the "East Turkistan" forces. The "East Turkistan" forces are trying to separate Xinjiang from China, and the "East Turkestan Islamic Movement" terrorist organization has directly planned and carried out a series of violent terrorist incidents.
Screenshot of Ozil's Twitter
Born in Germany in 1988, Ozil is a former Germany international who currently plays for Arsenal in the Premier League as a forward.
After the incident, Arsenal responded immediately. At 1:00 a.m. today (14th), the official Microblog of Arsenal Football Club issued a statement to clear up the relationship: "Regarding the remarks posted by Mesut Ozil on social media yesterday evening Beijing time, Arsenal Football Club must make a clear statement here: the content it publishes are Ozil's personal views. Arsenal, as a football club, has always adhered to the principle of not involving politics. ”
However, some netizens did not buy it, believing that the official Weibo must be operated by the Chinese team, and to express a statement that "please publish it on foreign platforms such as Twitter or Facebook". As of press time, Arsenal had not taken a stand on the matter on twitter or Facebook.
But some foreign media have taken note of Arsenal's remarks on Weibo. The Guardian commented that the club posted information on Chinese social platforms in an attempt to quickly stop Ozil's remarks from harming its business in China. Arsenal have a broad fan base in China and are known as the "Gunners". The team has come to China many times to participate in commercial activities and has also opened its own theme bar in Shanghai.
At present, many professional sports platforms and communities have chosen to "part ways" with Ozil for the first time.
Screenshot of Tiger Sport
Understand the screenshot of the ball emperor
Ozil Tieba said that it will close Tieba and all related accounts and subtitle groups, "in the face of national interests, personal hobbies are not enough to mention." ”
As a former member of the German national team, Ozil is known for his flowing, agile style. At the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, he was nominated for that year's Ballon d'Or for his outstanding performance. In 2014, Germany won the World Cup in Brazil, and Ozil was instrumental. As a result, he has attracted countless fans, including many Chinese fans.
But last night's behavior directly caused Ozil to completely "cool" in China. Fans and netizens rushed to his Weibo accountability, "What are you saying? ”
Some fans said that there were no idols in front of the country and said goodbye.
Some of Ozil's old fans also left comments. What they say between the lines is disappointment and anger.
One fan tore off Ozil's poster, saying he was "crying miserably."
Caught up in the political whirlpool, he withdrew from the German team
It is worth noting that as a German of Turkish origin, Ozil seems to have always been inseparable from politics.
In 2018, his photo with another Turkish-German player, İlkay Gündoğan, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sparked controversy, as gundogan held a jersey that reads "Pay tribute to my president" in Turkish, and the two were both verbally criticized by the German side at the same time, laying the groundwork for his later withdrawal from the national team.
Gundogan, Ozil and Erdogan (from left to right)
In an open letter about his withdrawal from the national team, Ozil first explained that he and Erdogan had no political leanings. Although he grew up in Germany, he is of Turkish descent and his heart "beats for both Germany and Turkey".
He then turned his finger to the media, saying he could not accept criticism of his Turkish ancestry and repeatedly mentioned racial discrimination in Germany. He finally complained about the Prejudice of the Germans against him, saying, "If you win, you are Germans, and if you lose, you are Turkish immigrants!" ”
At his own wedding in June this year, Ozil invited Erdogan to attend as a witness, which caused a lot of discussion. At that time, foreign media interpreted that the wedding was political, and Erdogan hoped to increase his support.
Erdogan attends Ozil's wedding