Arsenal have previously claimed they do not become involved with political issues
Arsenal have been accused of hypocrisy after they showed their support for the people of Ukraine ahead of their game against Watford on Sunday – three years after appearing to distance themselves from comments made by Mesut Ozil on the plight of Uighur Muslims.
Arsenal captain Alexandre Lacazette wore a special armband in the colours of the Ukrainian flag for the Gunners’ win over Watford on Sunday – part of Premier League plans to show support for the country amidst Russia’s invasion.
The club had tweeted a picture of the armband before kick-off at Vicarage Road, along with the caption “Football Stands Together”.
Football Stands Together pic.twitter.com/fvpMBCrxIf
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 6, 2022
As flagged by many on social media – including AP journalist, Rob Harris – this appeared to represent a different approach to the one the club had adopted with Ozil.
The German international, who now plies his trade with Fenerbahce, is of Turkish heritage and Muslim. In 2019, when he was still an Arsenal player, he protested against the alleged persecution of the Uighur Muslims in China, using his social media platform to highlight the issue.
#HayırlıCumalarDoğuTürkistan 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/dJgeK4KSIk
— Mesut Özil (@M10) December 13, 2019
Arsenal chose not to back Ozil’s campaign, stating that it was club principle not to become involved with political issues. The 33-year-old has since spoken of his disappointment at the club’s reaction.
Arsenal when it didn’t stand with Ozil on the Uighurs in 2019: “As a football club, Arsenal has always adhered to the principle of not involving itself in politics.” https://t.co/3uuLPCajtT
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) March 6, 2022
The Mirror’s Colin Millar pointed out that Arsenal’s perceived double standards don’t end there, with the club adopting a similar stance with Mohamed Eleney when the Egyptian made a post relating to issues events in Palestine.
Not to mention this from last year: 'Arsenal speak to Mohamed Elneny over 'wider implications' of pro-Palestinian social media post amid sponsor concern.' https://t.co/lHhhKK5Uqj
— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) March 6, 2022
Another user said: “Precisely. Do we only keep politics out of sport when there are powerful commercial interests we may irritate if we let it in?”
Precisely. Do we only keep politics out of sport when there are powerful commercial interests we may irritate if we let it in? https://t.co/XtvjMub30M
— Anand Menon (@anandMenon1) March 7, 2022
A third user tweeted: “Double standard at its finest.”
double standard at its finest https://t.co/nTkfWzS3qL
— blank (@faizmufll) March 7, 2022
Another user said: “I support helping Ukraine, because they are human beings but also because this could become our plight. But this is a good example as to why the endless virtue signalling in football is a dangerous thing. He’s completely right where was the support for Ozil.”
I support helping Ukraine, because they are human beings but also because this could become our plight.
But this is a good example as to why the endless virtue signalling in football is a dangerous thing.He's completely right where was the support for Ozil https://t.co/5O2mCFNm2A— Twigs (@ChrisTwigger2) March 7, 2022
Arsenal have yet to respond to the comments made.
Related links:
- Premier League’s pro-Ukraine message accidentally broadcast in Russia
- Thomas Tuchel hits out at Chelsea fans following Roman Abramovich chants
- Chelsea fans chant Roman Abramovich’s name during minute’s applause for Ukraine
