German fans protest in support of Mesut Ozil

Hundreds of German fans gathered in support for Mesut Ozil after he quit international football, citing “racism and disrespect” over his Turkish roots,National Daily gathered.

Supporters gathered in Berlin on Sunday wearing ‘I am Ozil’ T-shirts, waving Turkish and German flags in solidarity with the Arsenal midfielder.

He said last week he received hate mail and threats, and was blamed for Germany’s disappointing World Cup.

Germany’s football association “rejected” allegations of racism.

However, it said it could have done more to protect him from abuse.

Ozil, 29, was criticised after being photographed with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan in May.

In announcing his international retirement, he said: “I am German when we win, but I am an immigrant when we lose.”