Former Chelsea striker Demba Ba has criticised Arsenal for distancing themselves from Mesut Ozil’s comments about Uighur Muslims in China.
In his post on Instagram, Ozil described Uighurs as ‘warriors who resist persecution’ following reports that China has detained at least one million people, mainly Muslims and other minorities, over several years in what have now been exposed as detention camps.
But Arsenal moved to distance the club from Ozil’s viewpoint.
‘Regarding the comments made by Mesut Ozil on social media, Arsenal must make a clear statement,’ the club posted on Chinese social media site Weibo.
‘The content published is Ozil’s personal opinion.
‘As a football club, Arsenal has always adhered to the principle of not involving itself in politics.’
But Demba Ba, who is also a practising Muslim and has had two spells in the Chinese Super League, has criticised Arsenal for their stance.
‘Not surprised,’ Ba posted on Twitter. ‘Arsenal just keep distancing themselves from the best in general.’
China’s state broadcaster CCTV has now removed Sunday’s Arsenal vs Manchester City Premier League match from its schedule after Ozil’s comments.
