Mark Bonnick, dismissed from Arsenal in December 2024 after social media posts about Israel, has filed a lawsuit for wrongful termination, claiming that his dismissal was 'discriminatory' and based on his 'anti-Zionist philosophical belief.' The former kitman, who had worked with the Gunners since the early 2000s, was fired on Christmas Eve 2024 following a series of messages he posted on social media, where he referred to 'Jewish supremacy' and 'ethnic cleansing' by Israel. In an interview with Raw Politik, Bonnick accused his former employer of acting out of financial interests. 'I think Arsenal basically put profit before people,' he stated, visibly emotional. The legal action, which, according to the former kitman, 'will go to mediation in June,' alleges that the club does not live by its own values. 'Talking is easy. Words are cheap. It's all about integrity. It's easy to say things, but you have to do them. You have to live those values,' he criticized. Bonnick revealed that he was initially suspended for antisemitism after a complaint, but claims that both the club and the Football Association (FA) eventually accepted that he had not been antisemitic. According to him, the FA deemed his comments 'non-inflammatory, non-offensive, [but] political.' The former employee, who became emotional several times during the interview, also accused the London club of taking his posts 'out of context' and belittling him during the appeal process. 'It was simply: You’re an ignorant kitman,' he lamented. Bonnick's legal team, a lifelong supporter of the club, argues that he was the target of a 'coordinated online defamation campaign by pro-Israel accounts on Twitter' and that his dismissal was based on the fact that he tarnished the club's reputation. In the lawsuit filed in May of last year, Bonnick stated: 'Israel is an apartheid state. I was fired not for misconduct, but for expressing pain and outrage over genocide. Even though I am so close to retirement, I do not regret it. Arsenal should apologize, reinstate me, and take a stand against anti-Palestinian racism.' It is worth noting that in December 2024, it was reported that Arsenal had received complaints about Bonnick's posts from one of its supporter groups. At the time, the club issued a statement: 'We are investigating this matter in accordance with our internal policies and procedures. Arsenal opposes all forms of abuse and discrimination.'
Profit Before People Mark Bonnick remains central to this story.
Profit Before People Mark Bonnick remains central to this story.
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