Mesut Özil banned from Werder Bremen over controversial tattoo
By Sabiu Abdullahi
Former Arsenal and Werder Bremen midfielder, Mesut Ozil, has reportedly been banned from returning to his former Bundesliga club due to a tattoo that has sparked controversy.
The 36-year-old, who played for top clubs like Arsenal, Real Madrid, Schalke, and Fenerbahce, retired from professional football in June 2023 at the age of 34.
However, his recent display of a tattoo featuring a grey wolf and a flag with three crescent moons has led to his exclusion from Werder Bremen.
The symbols associated with Ozil’s tattoo are linked to far-right groups that promote “anti-semitism, far-right extremism, and ultra-nationalism.”
As a result, the German club has distanced itself from the former player.
According to Bild, Werder Bremen recently left Ozil off the guest list for a tribute event honoring former star Diego Ribas.
The two footballers had played together at Bremen before Ozil secured a transfer to Real Madrid in 2010.