‘A goal against fascism’ – Turkish justice minister praises Ozil for Germany retirement

[war&peace]

Published time: 23 Jul, 2018 10:36 Edited time: 23 Jul, 2018 15:33
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© Bernd Feil / Global Look Press
Turkish Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul has praised footballer Mesut Ozil for his decision to retire from the German national team amid claims of racism, calling the decision “a goal against the virus of fascism.”
Ozil, 29, announced his retirement from the German national team on Sunday, hitting out at “racism and disrespect” he says he has encountered in the wake of a controversial meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in May.

READ MORE: ‘Racism & disrespect’: Germany's Mesut Ozil announces shock international retirement

The midfielder, who is of Turkish descent, also said he was being made a scapegoat for Germany’s disastrous recent World Cup campaign due to his mixed heritage.

He received support on Monday from Turkish Justice Minister Gul, who tweeted that through his decision to quit international football, Ozil had taken a vital step against “the virus of fascism.”

“I congratulate Mesut Ozil, who left the German National Team and made the most beautiful goal against the virus of fascism. Let the path be clear [for Ozil],” Gul tweeted, including a picture of the meeting with Erdogan.

In announcing his retirement, Ozil took aim at the German media, sponsors, and German football association (DFB) officials, accusing them of failing to support him over his meeting with Erdogan back in May.

Ozil, who helped Germany win the World Cup in 2014, was criticized for the meeting which was deemed inappropriate by the DFB given Erdogan was a figure it said does “not sufficiently respect” the values that it stands for.

© Yohei Osada / Global Look Press
The midfielder himself said there was no political intent behind the event, and that he had met Erdogan out of respect for the position of the Turkish president and his family heritage.

READ MORE: ‘He’s been s*** for years’: Bayern Munich chief Hoeness slams Ozil after shock retirement

He accused elements of the national press of “trying to turn the nation of Germany against me” in pursuit of “right-wing”agendas, and signed off by saying that he “will no longer be playing for Germany at international level whilst I have this feeling of racism and disrespect.

“I used to wear the German shirt with such pride and excitement, but now I don't...Racism should never, ever be accepted,” he added.

 

[KediKesenFare3]

Germans - like every other Western European nation - are unable to understand the Turkish point of view. Turks migrated to Europe in order to earn money and have a decent quality of life. This does not mean that we are ready to throw away our identity, history, language, religion at the first opportunity. They expect from the Turkish community in their respective countries to eventually assimilate. But this is simply not possible.

From time to time it is very funny to observe the Germans. They always behave in the same pattern. First, they look around in Europe. Secondly, they see Arabs in France, Asians in the UK, Indonesians in the Netherlands etc. - and the expectations are getting bigger and bigger.

However, what they don't understand is that we never were a colony of Germany, we never were slaves of the Germans. We came voluntarily to Germany. We never asked to be accepted as Germans. We don't want to become a part of German history. We have our own interesting histories, stunning legends and marvelous myths to tell.

Looking back, I can say that unfortunately our ancestors were equal allies of Germany. The Germans should accept the reality and move on. No one is begging for the approval of the Germans.

 

[IronHeart]

It's Ironic that Turkish members are crying about "European Fascism".

Also, If these Turks don't want to be a part of the German history, Then Germans should come to their senses and kick all of these foreigner refugees out.

 

[KediKesenFare3]

Are you even an American?

 

[KediKesenFare3]

@Timur

 

[MMM-E]

no fascism please

 

[xenon54 out]

Also, If these Turks don't want to be a part of the German history, Then Germans should come to their senses and kick all of these foreigner refugees out.

Turks didnt go as asylum seekers into Europe but as invited guest workers and are in 3rd-4th generation already, kicking Turks out isnt as easy as you wish.

 

[Trango Towers]

Spo

It's Ironic that Turkish members are crying about "European Fascism".

Also, If these Turks don't want to be a part of the German history, Then Germans should come to their senses and kick all of these foreigner refugees out.

Oh dear....were you kicked out germany

 

[MMM-E]

Germany is a fascist country
so Euro 2024 goes to Turkey

 

[Azadkashmir]

you cant please these people, once you do as they say then move on to the next step to criticize you of something else that isn't even worth talking about and make it big deal. You cant please the devil.