Anwar El Ghazi linked up with charity Nujum Sports to host the ‘Children of Gaza’ friendly game at Barnet’s The Hive stadium.

The match took place on 1st June and saw current and ex-pro ballers take to the field to raise funds for the Palestinian children who have been impacted by the conflict. It marked the first time a UK-based charity game involving current and former players has been organised to raise money for Gaza.

Ipswich Town’s Sam Morsy and El Ghazi captained each side which featured legends like ex-Barcelona defender Eric Abidal and former Arsenal and Manchester City player Bacary Sagna.

As a poignant mark of solidarity, there were no mascots to lead the players out onto the pitch. Instead, each player held a Palestine jersey in their hand to represent the estimated 17,000 children who have lost their lives in Gaza.

El Ghazi had his contract with Bundesliga club FSV Mainz terminated in November 2023 after his social media posts in support of Palestine. The former Aston Villa player’s side won 4-1 and the winger came away with two goals and an assist. But he stressed the most important thing was being able to use his platform to raise awareness about an issue that means so much to him.

“I feel really proud,” El Ghazi said after the game. “I was very grateful and emotional as well before the kick-off. You realise what you’re doing it all for - the children of Gaza. No child on Earth deserves what’s happening to them right now. I have a little one myself. As a parent, you understand this even more.”

While football’s decision makers refuse to acknowledge the atrocities in Gaza, this match showed that the sport’s most important stakeholders know what real unity looks like in the face of injustice. It is further evidence of football’s support of the Palestinian cause and a shining light of hope for all who believe in the beautiful game’s use as a force for good.