Mesut Ozil scored in Singapore. I’m sure the opening goal in Arsenal’s encounter with Paris Saint Germain in the International Champions Cup would have lifted a heavy load off the German’s back. It must have been a huge relief after the tumultuous week that followed his retirement from international football in a fit of rage.
Ozil, 29, was very angry when he announced his retirement. He accused the German Football Association, its President Reinhard Grindel, the German media and the fans of racism and disrespect due to his Turkish heritage. To me, it looked like a backlash after having been at the receiving end of some bitter criticism.
Born of Turkish immigrants in Germany, Ozil’s loyalty was questioned after he posed for a picture with Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ahead of the 2018 Russia World Cup. He suffered a torrent of abuse from spectators and on social media. Germany’s first-round exit only precipitated matters.
Ozil’s international future looked bleak. So his retirement didn’t surprise me. But his allegations certainly caught me by surprise. For, six years ago (Euro Cup 2012) Ozil, Sami Khedira and Jerome Boateng were shining examples of immigrant integration in Germany.
Times have changed. Populism and right wing have made inroads in Europe. Even Angela Merkel is not immune to criticism over her government’s migration policy. The German chancellor’s recent showdown with Interior Minister Horst Seehofer is enough evidence.
The attack on Ozil certainly has its roots in xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment sweeping Europe. What shocked me was Bayern Munich President Uli Hoeness’ outburst against a player with 92 international caps, which included a stellar role in the 2014 World Cup triumph.
The German FA denied racial discrimination in the treatment of Ozil, but Grindel admitted mistakes in the handling of the player’s national team status. If Grindel erred, he should resign.
Racism has no place in this world. It’s cancer that has to be excised. German FA should take Ozil’s allegations seriously and ensure such episodes do not recur.
Football is a beautiful game. It can do without these distractions.
