“I am german when we win, but I am an immigrants when will lose. ”This statement by world cup winner Mesut Ozil reflects the agony of dual-heritage players and shine a light on the role identity and race plays in modern day sport. In a statement posted on Twitter,Ozil, a german of turkish descent, said that “he will no longer be playing for Germany… whilst i have this feeling of racism and disrespect.”The outburst by the attacking midfielder, a key member of his country 2014 world cup winning side, took many by surprise.The timing of his statement, coming soon after most fans applauded the diversity of the french team that triumphed at the world cup in Russia, was slightly unexpected.Ozil thinks he's being made scapegoat for the german football team crashing out of the world cup in the first round itself. others see in he's move reaction to the criticism he attracted for meeting controversial Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan london event in May.
Sportsmen are role models and it can be argued that Ozil should not have posed with a leader accused of suppressing political opponents and quelling freedom of expression.But there is no justification for him being showered with a torrent of racial jibes about his heritage after Germany loss.Ozil mentioned how he’s been called “turkish s**t”by the same fans who once worshipped him.Do the standards change when it comes to a white player.Does it boil boil down to what Ozil said about being a Muslim Player of Turkish Origin?”is it because it is turkey?is it because I’m Muslim?”he asked.
