Mesut Ozil Removed from Pro Evolution Soccer 2020 in China Following his Comment on Uighur Muslims

A few days ago, Mesut Ozil had posted a message which highlighted the plight of Uighur Muslims in China. His posted slammed the Chinese policy for the atrocities drawn towards the minorities in China. Now, this comment surely did not go down well with the Chinese and they burnt Arsenal jerseys and the TV channels did not even broadcast match against Manchester City. The 31-year old got a lot of bashing after the statement. Now, the Arsenal player is also removed from the Pro Evolution Soccer 2020 game in China. NetEase, the company publishes PES in China in a statement said that he had hurt the sentiments of the people. Mesut Ozil Condemns China's Policy Towards Uighur Muslims, Arsenal Fans in China Burn Club T-Shirts. 

“The German player Ozil posted an extreme statement about China on social media. The speech hurt the feelings of Chinese fans and violated the sports spirit of love and peace. We do not understand, accept or forgive this,” it said in a statement. Arsenal has however distanced itself from the mid-fielder comments and said that it was Ozil’s personal opinion and the club had nothing to do with it.

Meanwhile, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said that the star footballer is deceived by fake news and even suggested that if he gets an opportunity to visit China, he must make a visit and see the scenario by himself. "If Mr Ozil has the opportunity, we will be pleased to see him go to Xinjiang and have a look," said Geng Shuang.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 20, 2019 08:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).