Ex-Arsenal & Real Madrid star Mesut Ozil banned from former club due to tattoos linked to far-right group promoting anti-semitism

Ozil's glittering career saw him play for a host of clubs including Arsenal, Real Madrid, Werder Bremen, Fenerbahce and Schalke before he finally hung up his boots at the age of 34 in June 2023. However, it seems he is not welcome back at former employers Werder Bremen after showing off a tattoo featuring a grey wolf and a flag with three crescent moons. The symbols have links to far-right groups promoting anti-semitism, far-right extremism and ultra-nationalism.

Ozil's tattoo means he was recently left off a guest list by Werder Bremen for a tribute to former star Diego Ribas, according to Bild. Ribas and Ozil played together at the Bundesliga club before the playmaker sealed a move to Real Madrid in 2010, but an agreement was reached to keep the 36-year-old away from the event.

A spokesperson for Werder Bremen said: "We have agreed with Diego not to invite Mesut due to his recent actions, which do not represent the club's values."

Ozil has recently entered the world of politics and has joined Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP). Yet he still takes a keen interest in football and was in the crowd watching Arsenal's 1-0 win over Chelsea last time out.

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