Mesut Ozil attacked again – By the Bayern Munich President by Dan Smith
Uli Hoeness attempts to defend Germany’s football treatment of Ozil has only brought more shame on their domestic game. To paraphrase, the Bayern Munich president has suggested the players retirement due to racism will prove a blessing, believing the midfielder last performed well before the World Cup in Brazil and he is using the fall out from his picture with the Turkish president to overshadow his below par performances.
I could argue it takes dedication to get over 90 caps for such a famous side. I could point to statistics which highlight how many goals the playmaker has been involved in. I could even query why it’s taken 4 years for the man in charge of Bundesliga’s biggest club to not display such an opinion, when apparently he’s wanted him dropped over 4 years ago. I could mention the irony that suddenly Ozil’s skills are being questioned the moment he’s turned his back on the national team
To do any of that though would be missing the point of the issue and make me as bad as the man who made this statement.Hoeness’ attack on Mesut Ozil brings shame on German Football
Hoeness said: “I’m glad it is over. He’s been playing dirt for years.
“He last won a tackle before the 2014 World Cup. And now he hides himself and his c*** performance behind this photo.
“His 35 million follower boys, who of course do not exist in the real world, think he has played excellently if he plays a cross to a man.”
“Whenever we played against Arsenal, we played over him, because we know he’s the weak point”,
.
There is nothing wrong with a talent dividing opinions. The game is based on various point of views and it would be boring if we all thought the same. The time though to analyse the midfielder’s work rate, consistency, etc, should come after a match, not on the back of a human being saying he’s felt mistreated because of where he comes from.
As much as we are all passionaite about our football, some things in life are more important – accusations of racism being one of them. For a man with such a position at one of the biggest institutions in the sport, to try and make this a footballing debate is ignorant at best. Especially at a time when the whole nation should be looking at themselves and how they run their game. How many young Bayern Munich fans have been uneducated now because the man who runs the club they love has turned a sensitive subject into a trivial one. How many sports men and women are now discouraged to speak out for the fear of having their performance mocked by a man who has no reason to get involved.
Many professionals have questioned the benefit of various FIFA/UEFA campaigns to fight prejudice. At times it seems the couple of moments each year we see these stars wear anti-racism shirts, it’s a PR exercise rather then a clear desire to garner awareness.
A man has spoken out.
He’s so hurt he retired from international football before the age of 30. He knows his achievements will now be ignored. He’s referred to himself as refugee. And the price for speaking out will see more abuse and ridicule.
Starting it seems from one of the most powerful men at Germany’s most powerful side.
Dan Smith