Ex-Arsenal kitman Bonnick: 'Zionist Israel's illegal occupation' criticism cost me my job

Mark Bonnick, a 62-year-old former Arsenal kitman dismissed in December 2024 after posting comments critical of Israeli actions in Gaza, has spoken out about what he describes as the silencing of voices opposing "Zionist Israel's illegal occupation." Speaking to Anadolu, Bonnick defended his statements as political commentary and confirmed his legal challenge against the Premier League club remains ongoing, with mediation scheduled for June and a potential timeline extending to 2028.

"We're Silenced. It's Cancellation"

"We talked about South Africa's apartheid. We talk about Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine and Zionist Israel's illegal occupation. It's apartheid. We're silenced. It's cancellation," Bonnick said, arguing that people have a duty to speak out against "evils and wrongs" in Gaza. He insisted his remarks were political, not antisemitic, noting that neither the Football Association nor police pursued action against him. "FA never came back to me, and the police never knocked at my door, so that was all rubbish," he added.

Double Standards on Expression

Bonnick contrasted his treatment with that of former Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny, who posted "My heart, my soul and my support for you Palestine" in 2021 and was defended by the club. During his appeal, Bonnick referenced the club's statement that players have the right to express views on personal platforms. When told he couldn't have an opinion because he wasn't an academic like University of Bristol's David Miller, Bonnick responded: "What, the thick-cut kitman can't have an opinion? Where's the equality?"

Dismissal on Christmas Eve

Bonnick described his final days at the club: a security guard collected his access pass on Dec. 20, and on Christmas Eve, he was informed of his sacking. He criticized Arsenal's handling of the process and hopes the club will reassess its approach to similar cases. His posts included references to "Jewish supremacy," "ethnic cleansing," and "Mark of Cain"—the latter a phrase he said referenced former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's remarks.