The playmaker has walked away from international football after suffering a barrage of racial abuse about his Turkish roots after World champions flopped in Russia
GERMANY'S football association has denied allegations of racism from Arsenal star Mesut Ozil.
The World Cup winner cited the "racism and disrespect" he's faced in his homeland for his Turkish roots.
After Arsenal defended their player with a defiant message on Twitter, the German FA (DFB) issued a statement.
It read: "We emphatically reject the DFB being linked to racism.
"The DFB has been very involved in integration work in Germany for many years.
"It is regrettable that Mesut Ozil felt that he had not been sufficiently protected as a target of racist slogans.
"The DFB stands for diversity, from the representatives at the top to the boundless, day-to-day dedication of people at the base."
The attacker was criticised after being photographed with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan at a London event in May.
Ozil, 29, bore the brunt of the criticism in Germany for the disastrous defence of the title in Russia.
He even singled out DFB president Richard Grindel for alleged treatment towards him.
But his club has rallied behind him and have taken to social media to show their support.
Arsenal said on Twitter: "Our diversity is a big part of why we are such a special club #ArsenalForEveryone."
Anti-discrimination Kick It Out have spoken out in support of the player and have offered their support.
The Anti-discrimination organisation condemned the treatment of Ozil and said it was part of a wider problem, similar to those involving black players in England and France.
: “Following Germany’s exit from the World Cup, the racist treatment Mesut Ozil has faced by elements of their media, supporters and wider society is extremely disappointing – but is also reflective of the experience of a number of footballers across Europe from mixed heritage backgrounds.
“Immigration has transformed modern life and modern football for the better – the success of Premier League is due to the contribution of footballers from around the world, while the World Cup has been enriched by players of dual heritage such as Ozil.
“However, Ozil is right to suggest that for elements of society, ‘when we win I am German, but I am an immigrant when we lose.’ Unfortunately, black players in England, France and beyond have been treated in a similar fashion for a long time.
“We understand that football is a results business and inevitably there will be criticism of players when a leading nation such as Germany is knocked out of a tournament at an early stage.
“But the singling out of Ozil by parts of the German media, discriminatory comments made by supporters, the lack of support from some sponsors and the alleged treatment by DFB President Richard Grindel, has gone far beyond any reasonable analysis of his performances.
“Footballers must always be wary of their status as role models being exploited for political propaganda, but no player should ever have their loyalty to their country questioned because of a dual heritage.
"The mere fact that Ozil decided to represent Germany should be enough to demonstrate his commitment, but clearly in some circles that is not enough.
“Mesut Ozil has been treated disgracefully and we have contacted Arsenal to offer our support to him at this time.
"Those who have driven him to consider international retirement should be ashamed of themselves and his case should encourage all of football to reflect on how the game treats footballers from mixed heritage backgrounds.”
