Former Arsenal employee sues club over dismissal linked to social media posts

Gidibam Web6 days ago

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Former Arsenal academy kit manager Mark Bonnick has filed a legal claim against the club, alleging he was unfairly dismissed for expressing solidarity with Palestine in social media posts, The Telegraph reports.

Bonnick, 61, a lifelong Arsenal supporter who worked for the club for over two decades, was terminated on Christmas Eve 2023 following an investigation into his online activity. Among the posts cited were references to “Jewish supremacy” and “ethnic cleansing,” as well as a claim that “Hamas offered to release all hostages in October. Zionist Israel refused. Persecution complex.”

One post under scrutiny stated: “It is all about Jewish supremacy and not wanting to share the land. Ethnic cleansing.”

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Bonnick is demanding reinstatement and a formal apology, insisting his dismissal was politically motivated. In a statement, he said: “Israel is an apartheid state. I was sacked not for misconduct, but for expressing grief and outrage over genocide. Despite being this close to retirement, I have no regrets. Arsenal must apologise, reinstate me, and take a stand against anti-Palestinian racism.”

***Former academy kit manager Mark Bonnick***

His legal team contends that Bonnick was the victim of a “coordinated online smear campaign by pro-Israel Twitter accounts” and claims Arsenal’s internal investigation did not classify his posts as anti-Semitic. Instead, the dismissal reportedly centered on the club’s belief that his comments brought Arsenal into disrepute.

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Franck Magennis of Garden Court Chambers, representing Bonnick, said: “It’s an honour to represent Mark. His dismissal sends a chilling message to those who speak out against apartheid and genocide. Arsenal must be held accountable.”

The controversy emerged in December when a fan group reportedly lodged complaints about Bonnick’s posts. At the time, Arsenal stated: “We are investigating this matter in line with our internal policies and procedures. Arsenal stands against all forms of abuse and discrimination.”