Published 10:39 IST, December 19th 2019
Pro Evolution Soccer 2020 drop Mesut Özil from Chinese version of the game
A statement by the publishers cited the midfielder's remarks on the situation of Uighurs Muslims and termed that his remarks were against the spirit of the game
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In latest turn of events in Mesut Özil-China controversy, footballer has been removed from Chinese version of Pro Evolution Soccer 2020 video game. development took place on Wednesday afteron when publishers of game in China, NetEase released a statement criticising player.
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Dropped from PES
statement was released by NetEase on Weibo, and it re, " speech hurt feelings of Chinese fans and violated sports spirit of love and peace. We do t understand, accept or forgive this. From w on, national service version of "Football", "Live: Kings Assembly" and "Live Club" will longer produce any "Mesut Özil" player roles and cards."
former German international has been involved in a political storm after a social media post where he condemned atrocities committed by Chinese government on Uighurs in Xinjiang and how Muslim countries have t done eugh to speak up.
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United States Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo tweeted in support of Arsenal midfielder, saying that China's Communist Party (CCP) cant prevent truth from prevailing in spite of its efforts to censor and condemn Mesut Özil and halt brocast of Arsenal matches.
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Soon after Özil's social post, Arsenal published a statement on Weibo saying that statement me by footballer is his personal choice and that club does t share view. rth London club furr ded that club follows a policy of t commenting on politics. statement by Arsenal h little effect and dam h alrey by done. China's State-run channel, China Central Television (CCTV) decided to t brocast high profile match against Manchester City on Sunday evening.
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In a press conference, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said that Özil was a victim of fake news and that he was welcome to visit region and see for himself. He said, "I want to tell Mr. Özil that Xinjiang enjoys political stability, ecomic growth, ethnic solidarity and social harmony, and residents re are leing a happy life."
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(With inputs from ncies)
06:51 IST, December 19th 2019