Dagenham Redbridge Apologize Over Salma Mashhour Debacle

Dagenham Redbridge have issued a formal apology to former director Salma Mashhour, days after her dismissal sparked widespread controversy .

Salma Mashhour, a football YouTuber and PhD holder in Political Science, was removed from her role as Director of Development and Engagement just three days after her appointment. She had joined as part of an ownership venture led by fellow Egyptian YouTuber Marwan Serry .

Her dismissal followed the resurfacing of social media posts about the Israel-Palestine conflict, particularly one where she wrote, "Occupation creates resistance and self-defense is not terrorism."

Despite the fact that she later clarified that her comments were never meant to be perceived as an endorsement of any form of violence, she faced a barrage of mostly racist and xenophobic attacks on social media. Adding salt to the wound was an online petition that called on the club to remove the Mashhour and Serry from the clubs board.

However, on Friday Dagenham Redbridge released a detailed statement acknowledging the controversy and publicly apologizing to Mashhour. The club stated that her dismissal "in no way" implied that she supported hate or division.

"We regret, and apologise for, any harm which may have been caused to Dr. Mashhour as a consequence of statements attributable to, or associated with, the club and the club's decision to remove her," the statement read.

Further elaborating, "The decision to remove Dr. Mashhour in no way is an acknowledgment that Dr. Mashhour supports messages of hate and divisio. Statements that could be taken to imply she supports terrorism or engaged in racist or discriminatory behaviour are not accurate and do not reflect the club's position."

The club reiterated their stance against all forms of discrimination and reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity, unity, and tolerance. "We are a club that prides itself on inclusivity, accountability, and representing a broad and diverse community."

Salma Mashhour's removal and Marwan Serry's subsequent resignation as co-owner lead to an outpouring of reaction both online and in the local community. Opposing petitions made the rounds, and the club's social media was flooded with commentary from both sides.