Mesut Ozil has a right to use his platform to express his opinion but does not speak for Arsenal, says former manager Arsene Wenger.
Ozil took to Instagram last week to highlight and condemn the plight of Uighur Muslims in China, who according to human rights groups are being detained in prison camps without trial.
Arsenal were quick to distance themselves from Ozil's statement while the Chinese government claim the ex-Germany international has been "blindfolded by fake news". Ozil has been removed from all three versions of the game Pro Evolution Soccer which are available in China, with publisher NetEase stating that his comments "hurt the feelings of Chinese fans".
"What he says is about himself and not Arsenal," said Wenger. "What's important is that Ozil has an individual responsibility. He doesn't have to carry the word of Arsenal Football Club. When you make a comment about your individual opinion you accept the consequences of it."
Chinese state TV pulled the screening of Arsenal's game against Manchester City at the weekend, while most references to Ozil have been removed from the internet in China.
