Former player Mesut Ozil has already accused the German Football Federation of racism.
Several football supporters at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup have criticized the German national squad.
Die Mannschaft players have come under fire for being hypocrites when they protested FIFA’s decision to outlaw the “One Love” captain’s armband.
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Some spectators could be seen covering their mouths while clutching a picture of former Germany international Mesut Ozil during Monday night’s 1-1 draw between Germany and Spain. It was in allusion to Hansi Flick’s team covering their mouths when posing for a team portrait before their first game.
The Germans were protesting FIFA’s choice to forbid European teams from wearing the “One Love” arm band during games in order to support LGBTQIA+ rights in Qatar.
According to the German Football Federation: “Human rights cannot be negotiated. Giving us the armband without giving us a voice is the same thing.”
Despite the fact that all teams submitted to FIFA’s requests, it was regarded at the time as a strong statement. Fans have criticized teams for not taking a greater stance, but in Qatar, particularly among the locals, fans have turned against Germany because they believe the country has not done enough to address human rights concerns around the globe.
At the Al Bayt Stadium, several supporters displayed Ozil’s photo while making the same “mouth closed” gesture as the German players. It was done as a dig at the former Arsenal player who left the squad because of his Turkish heritage.
“I won’t continue to represent Germany internationally as long as I experience this prejudice and contempt. I used to wear my German shirt with such excitement and pride, but I no longer do “Before retiring from international football in 2018, Ozil remarked.
“Enough is enough when high-ranking DFB officials treat me the way they did, disregard my Turkish heritage, and use me for their own political gain.”
Ozil was upset with the media for treating players with dual nationality differently and not just with the German federation for their claimed discrimination. The former Arsenal player has also spoken out against the treatment of Uighurs in China, but at the time, his national organization offered no support.
Germany’s World Cup campaign is currently in jeopardy because of the off-field distraction, and they are no longer guaranteed a spot in the knockout stages. To advance to the round of 16, Flick’s team needs to defeat Costa Rica in their last group game and hope Spain defeats Japan.