The fallout from Mesut Ozil’s criticism of China’s treatment of Uighur Muslims has continued with his removal from the country’s version of Pro Evolution Soccer 2020.

Arsenal midfielder Ozil, a Muslim, called Uighurs “warriors who resist persecution” and also criticised China and the silence of Muslims in response.

The 31-year-old has faced huge backlash in China, with the Ozil fans’ group on the country’s largest communications platform Baidu announcing it was closing.

Chinese TV also removed Arsenal’s game against Manchester City last Sunday from its schedule.

Ozil has now been taken out of the Pro Evolution Soccer 2020 video game as China continues to erase him.

NetEase, which publishes the PES franchise in China, said the midfielder has been removed from three existing titles in the country.

“The German player Ozil posted an extreme statement about China on social media," it said in a statement, per BBC Sport.

"The speech hurt the feelings of Chinese fans and violated the sports spirit of love and peace. We do not understand, accept or forgive this."

Rights groups say roughly a million people - mostly from the Muslim Uighur community - have been detained in high-security prison camps in China.

Arsenal quickly distanced themselves from Ozil’s comments, with the Premier League club stressing it is apolitical.

“Regarding the comments made by Mesut Ozil on social media, Arsenal must make a clear statement,” a statement from the club read.

“The content published is Ozil’s personal opinion. As a football club, Arsenal has always adhered to the principle of not involving itself in politics.”

Meanwhile, China’s foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the former Germany international had been “deceived by fake news”.

"I don't know if Mr Ozil has been to Xinjiang himself - but it seems he has been deceived by fake news, and that his judgment was influenced by untruthful remarks,” Geng said, per BBC Sport.

"If Mr Ozil has the opportunity, we will be pleased to see him go to Xinjiang and have a look."