Fans attending Germany’s 2022 World Cup clash against Spain on Sunday night were seen holding up pictures of Mesut Ozil while covering their mouths.Some fans held hand-drawn sketches of the former Germany international, while others showed photographs of the playmaker.But why did it happen?

Why did Qatari fans hold up Mesut Ozil pictures?

Per ESPN, Qatari fans held up the pictures in response to Germany’s World Cup protest earlier in the tournament.

On Wednesday, Germany’s players covered their mouths in protest against FIFA after football’s governing body clamped down on the “One Love” armband.

Germany's players covered their mouths against Japan

DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 23: Germany players pose with their hands covering their mouths as they line up for the team photos prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Germany and Japan at Khalifa International Stadium on November 23, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Captains of various European teams intended to wear the armband in Qatar - including England’s Harry Kane and Germany’s Manuel Neuer - but the plan was scrapped at the eleventh hour over fears players would be punished with yellow cards at kick-off.

As stated by ESPN, the armbands were seen as a rebuke to World Cup hosts Qatar and their human rights record.

But Qatari fans were keen to highlight Germany’s own questionable treatment of Ozil, the ex-Real Madrid and Arsenal star who quit the national team in 2018 after becoming a target of racist abuse.

He was also a scapegoat for Germany’s early exit at the Russia World Cup four years ago.

Mesut Ozil was a scapegoat at the 2018 World Cup

KAZAN, RUSSIA - JUNE 27: Mesut Oezil of Germany stands dejected following the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group F match between Korea Republic and Germany at Kazan Arena on June 27, 2018 in Kazan, Russia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

What did Ozil say when he ended Germany career?

“I am German when we win but I am an immigrant when we lose,” Ozil said at the time, per The Guardian.

“It is with a heavy heart and after much consideration that because of recent events I will no longer be playing for Germany at international level whilst I have this feeling of racism and disrespect. I used to wear the German shirt with such pride and excitement, but now I don’t. I feel unwanted and think that what I have achieved since my international debut in 2009 has been forgotten.”

Ozil, who scored 23 goals in 92 games for Germany and lifted the World Cup in 2014, has not represented his country since.

Mesut Ozil ended his Germany career in 2018

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JUNE 17: Mesut Oezil of Germany reacts during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group F match between Germany and Mexico at Luzhniki Stadium on June 17, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Where is Mesut Ozil now?

After leaving Arsenal under a cloud in 2021, Ozil spent one season with Turkish giants Fenerbahce and currently plies his trade for Istanbul Basaksehir F.K.

Mesut Ozil currently plays in Turkey

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 16: Mesut Ozil of Fenerbahce reacts during the UEFA Europa League group D match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Fenerbahce at Deutsche Bank Park on September 16, 2021 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Will Germany qualify for the 2022 World Cup knockout stages?

Germany are in danger of being eliminated in the group stages of a World Cup for the second time in four years.

The four-time world champions, who are currently managed by Hansi Flick, suffered a shock 2-1 defeat against Japan in their opening match.

They only drew 1-1 with Spain on Sunday and must now defeat Costa Rica on Thursday in order to progress to the knockout stages.

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