Just stating his case, Ozil got massive support from Twitter with #IstandwithOzil trending in several countries.
Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil is getting all the support on Twitter after he announced his retirement from Germany because of the ‘racism’s he faced over a photo with Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Mesut Ozil at the 2018 FIFA World Cup
Ozil on Sunday, July 22 released a scathing statement blasting German FA Boss, the media, sponsors over the backlash he faced for meeting Erdogan before the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The 29-year-old was vilified and singled out for harsh criticism following Germany group stage exit at the World Cup.
Ozil went on to announce that he will be quitting the Germany national team because he feels unwanted.
Just after his statement, he got massive support from Twitter with #IstandwithOzil trending in several countries.
“Well done Mesut Ozil discrimination should have no place in the world let alone football! You have helped Germany win trophies and then they turn on you. Be Proud of who you are and your heritage!" Former Arsenal player Kevin Campbell wrote on Twitter.
“I am German when we win, but I am an immigrant when we lose. Racism should never, ever be accepted. - Mesut Ozil Great Move by Ozil... much Respect," a Twitter user with the handle @OsasCruz wrote.
“On Ozil's retirement, people with racist tendencies should not be allowed anywhere around a team that has players from dual-heritage families," We are all humans. Say no Racism!,” @KANAYO_OAP wrote.
“Mesut Ozil drops the mic and walks out of the German national team. There will be plenty reading this who, based on tribal loyalties, have little respect for him as a footballer. Having read that statement of his, I've boundless respect for him as a man,” @danlevene wrote.
“What happened to Ozil happens to alot of immigrants I promise you this would have happened to the French players if they crashed out early,” @bolu_ay said.
“Both Lukaku and Ozil now have publicly shared how they’re accepted by the nation when everything is going well, but both immediately are referred to as an immigrant when adversity strikes. I cannot imagine how many other players feel the same inconsistency,” @ChiAlreadyKnow said.
#IstandwithOzil
To show their support, a slew of fans created the hashtag #IstandwithOzil which quickly started trending on Twitter.
“I love Mesut Ozil even more after his statement today. What happened to him is ridiculous, racist and disrespectful. A player that has represented Germany from the age of 17 clearly deserves so much better than this. You have our full support @MesutOzil1088,” a Twitter user @bybns wrote with the hashtag.
“Its really annoying when @MesutOzil1088 releases a touching statement of how he has been treated and discrimated against and to announce his retirement from international because of this and yet people still laugh and judge him because that's the world we live in,” @Irish_Lil_Kel also said.
“When a player brings you success you can’t claim him as German/ whatever and then when things go wrong you attack his Turkish heritage/ religion. Respect Ozil for his decision and regardless of your thoughts on him, he doesn’t deserve the treatment he has received,” @EmanGoriola said.
“Ozil is the perfect example of how a muscular nationalism narrative can be so undermining of those from immigrant backgrounds. Someone who proudly wore the German shirt now feels unwanted. This happens to ppl of colour in the West all the time and has to stop,” @Annie_LFC said.
“Özil did the right thing. Don’t serve people that value you when you win them glory and then devalue you when things go wrong. We arsenal fans are proud of you and behind you all the way,” @mena_mii said.
On Twitter Nigeria, ‘Ozil’ quickly became the number one trending topic with ‘Germany’ also making it to the top trends.