A behind-the-scenes Arsenal staff member has mounted a legal challenge against the Premier League giants after being shown the red card over social media posts about the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Mark Bonnick, who dedicated over two decades to the North London club, has filed an unfair dismissal lawsuit claiming he was discriminated against for expressing his “philosophical anti-Zionist belief” – a stance he argues should be protected under the Equality Act 2010.
 Photograph: David Price/Arsenal FC/Getty Images
The Final Whistle on a Long Career
Bonnick’s Arsenal journey began in the early 2000s, where he worked his way up from casual coaching roles to become a full-time kit manager supporting the club’s youth teams. His 20+ year association with the Gunners came to an abrupt end in December 2024 when club officials suspended and subsequently sacked him over a series of posts on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
“I want them to acknowledge what they’ve done to me is wrong,” the 61-year-old told our reporter. “I believe in standing up for what’s right, especially when you see injustice, and I feel strongly against what Israel is doing in Gaza.”
The Posts That Triggered the Dismissal
According to legal documents, the controversy centres around five specific replies Bonnick posted on X in November and December 2024, including comments about “Jewish supremacy,” questioning why Jewish communities should receive special protection, and references to Hamas and Israel’s handling of hostage negotiations.
Arsenal’s investigation concluded that while his posts weren’t explicitly labelled as antisemitic, they “could be perceived as inflammatory or offensive” and had “brought the club into disrepute,” violating both his employment contract and the club’s social media policy.
A Matter of Principle
Bonnick maintains he was exercising legitimate free speech around a political issue. His legal team is citing the precedent-setting case of academic David Miller, where an employment tribunal recognised “anti-Zionist” beliefs as a “philosophical belief and a protected characteristic” under equality legislation.
“I’ve tweeted on various issues, including football, Brexit, racism, knife crime and politics,” Bonnick explained. “It only became a problem when I tweeted about Israel, which led to a pile-on online and people contacting the club.”
The Club’s Position
In their dismissal notification, Arsenal representatives told Bonnick: “Engaging in online debate on such controversial topic and making comments that were found to be highly offensive and inflammatory, displayed a complete lack of judgment and disregard for the club’s policies and values.”
The club added that his conduct had “irreparably damaged the relationship of trust” between Bonnick, Arsenal, its supporter communities and employees.
What’s Next?
The case is expected to reach an employment tribunal next year. Bonnick is seeking damages and reinstatement to his position, with his lawyer Franck Magennis stating: “Arsenal FC dismissed him in an unfair and discriminatory manner; they should admit their mistake and give him his job back.”
Arsenal FC has yet to comment on the ongoing legal proceedings.
