19.05.2025 19:10
The English Premier League team Arsenal terminated the employment of a 22-year club employee due to anti-Israel posts.
The Premier League team Arsenal has made a highly controversial decision. The English club terminated the employment of a 22-year club employee due to anti-Israel posts.
FIRED DUE TO ANTI-ISRAEL POSTS
According to reports in the British press, Mark Bonnick, who has served as the equipment manager at the club for 22 years, had his relationship with the club severed due to his anti-Israel posts. Last year, Bonnick made posts on his social media account regarding Israel's attacks on Gaza, stating, "Hamas offered to release all hostages in October. Zionist Israel rejected it. The oppression complex is a sign of Kabul." His contract was first suspended and then terminated.
Bonnick stated that the phrase "the sign of Kabul" was a quote from a statement made by Israel's then-defense minister Yoav Gallant the previous month.
SEEKING COMPENSATION AND REINSTATEMENT
The 61-year-old coach stated that his reputation has been tarnished by allegations of antisemitism and that he has initiated legal proceedings to regain his reputation. Bonnick conveyed that, considering the reasons for Arsenal's dismissal, he was not accused of antisemitism, but the club management was concerned that the posts could be perceived as "provocative or aggressive" by the public and could "discredit the club."
Seeking compensation and reinstatement, Bonnick expressed that he has made posts on various topics such as football, Brexit, racism, and politics, but when he posted about Israel, it became an issue. Bonnick, who has contributed to Arsenal since the early 2000s, stated that he was shocked by his dismissal.