Arsenal have launched an investigation after a kitman at the club was accused of posting antisemitic comments on social media, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict
09:53, 12 Dec 2024Updated 09:55, 12 Dec 2024
ST ALBANS, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 13: Arsenal Academy Coach Josh Smith and Arsenal Academy Kitman Mark Bonnick during the Arsenal U18 training session at London Colney on November 13, 2023 in St Albans, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal academy kitman Mark Bonnick(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal have announced an internal investigation into allegations that youth kitman Mark Bonnick posted antisemitic comments on social media.
Mark Bonnick, part of the academy staff at the Premier League club, is reportedly linked to a social media account bearing his name and photo, which has been engaging in controversial conversations with individuals from the Jewish community. The allegations have surfaced amid ongoing military confrontations in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Palestinian factions led by Hamas.
On December 4, a comment allegedly from Bonnick's account was made, stating: "Hamas offered to release all hostages in October. Zionist Israel refused. Persecution complex."
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Another contentious post appeared three days later, asserting: "Why should they be protected any more than any other community? Some see this as the problem Jewish communities thinking they should be put before others."
The same social media account is accused of referencing 'Jewish supremacy' and 'ethnic cleansing' during discourse over the conflict involving Israel and Hamas. Since then, that profile has disappeared from the platform, reports the Mirror.
The account in question appears to have been deleted
The account in question appears to have been deleted(Image: X)
These discussions have been recorded and disseminated by another user on the platform, coming to the attention of the Times. It's believed a complaint or complaints have been filed by at least one fan group regarding the disturbing content.
In a statement, Arsenal said: "We are investigating this matter in line with our internal policies and procedures. Arsenal stands against all forms of abuse and discrimination."If Bonnick is found to be behind the posts, he could face an investigation by the FA as a participant in the game.The Gunners took on Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday night. Bukayo Saka netted twice and Kai Havertz also scored, pushing Mikel Arteta's team onto 13 points, currently enough for third place in the 36-team table.
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Arsenal have two more Champions League matches in January before the first phase of this season's new format wraps up. The Gunners are on track to qualify directly for the knockout stages, but if they fall below eighth position, they'll face a two-legged play-off in February.Arsenal will host Everton at 3pm on Saturday, followed by a Carabao Cup match against Crystal Palace next Wednesday. Interestingly, Arteta and his team will then head to Palace four days later for a Premier League match.Their final match of 2024 is a home game against Ipswich Town on Friday, December 27.