Arsenal Football Club is facing an employment tribunal after dismissing a veteran kitman who claims he was sacked for expressing pro-Palestinian views online.
Mark Bonnick, 61, had served over two decades with the North London club before his dismissal shortly before Christmas 2024.
The decision followed a wave of social media backlash regarding posts he shared on X (formerly Twitter), in which he expressed solidarity with Palestine during the Gaza conflict.
Bonnick alleges that Arsenal succumbed to external pressure from pro-Israel groups and terminated his employment following a rushed disciplinary procedure, accusing him of tarnishing the club’s reputation.
He is now pursuing an unfair dismissal claim at the Watford Employment Tribunal, demanding reinstatement, compensation, and a formal apology from the club. The hearing is expected to take place next year.
In a public statement, Mr Bonnick said: “I wasn’t dismissed for misconduct – I was dismissed for expressing sorrow and outrage at what I believe to be genocide. I was weeks away from retirement, but I stand by what I said. Arsenal should apologise, reinstate me, and oppose anti-Palestinian discrimination.”
The former kitman argues that his criticism of Zionism – which he considers a racist ideology – led to disproportionate treatment compared to how other employees might be dealt with if they posted political views on different topics.
One controversial post dated 7 December read: “Why should they be protected any more than any other community? Some see this as the problem — Jewish communities thinking they should be put before others.” Another earlier post claimed: “Hamas offered to release all hostages in October. Zionist Israel refused.”
The case has reignited debate around freedom of speech, workplace discrimination, and the role of football institutions in navigating political discourse.
