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Just 72 hours after being appointed Director of Development & Engagement at English football club Dagenham & Redbridge FC, Egyptian content creator Salma Mashhour was suddenly removed from her position — with no reason given in the official statement.
But when you look at the online backlash she faced for her past pro-Palestine posts, and the pressure from a known pro-Israel commentator, the message becomes painfully clear: this wasn’t about her role — it was about her voice.
Yes, she was appointed. Then targeted. Then dropped.
Here’s the full story — and why it matters.
Who Are the People Involved?
Salma Mashhour is a rising Egyptian digital creator known for working closely with YouTuber Marwan Serry. She was recently appointed to a leadership role at Dagenham & Redbridge FC — a fifth-tier English football club — following Serry’s entry as one of the club’s new investors.
Marwan Serry, also Egyptian, is a YouTuber and former footballer who announced earlier this month that he had become part of the ownership group at the club. His involvement was celebrated online, especially by Arab fans who saw it as a rare opportunity for representation in European football.
David Collier is a UK-based pro-Israel political blogger with a long track record of targeting activists, academics, and public figures over any perceived criticism of Israel. He often leads campaigns to pressure institutions into cutting ties with individuals who express solidarity with Palestinians.
Dagenham & Redbridge FC, based in East London, plays in the National League — the fifth tier of English football. It’s a small club with a loyal fanbase that recently welcomed new investors aiming to boost its visibility and community engagement.
Salma’s Appointment — And Immediate Firing
On April 14, the club announced Salma Mashhour as its new Director of Development & Engagement. But within three days, the club posted this:
Dagenham & Redbridge FC has removed Salma Mashhour from the position of Director of Development & Engagement, effective immediately.
No reason. No explanation.
But just hours earlier, David Collier had posted a thread attacking Mashhour for her past political posts, including one from October 2023, where she condemned Israel’s occupation and expressed solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. He accused her of justifying terrorism and demanded the club take action. They did.
Marwan Serry Responds: “We Weren’t Told”
In a video posted on his account, Marwan Serry — visibly frustrated and joined by Salma — said the decision was made without his knowledge or approval.
“This wasn’t run by us. I didn’t approve this. I don’t accept it. This is not okay, and I won’t stay quiet about it.”
He called on Arab fans who had bought tickets to the club’s upcoming match to boycott the game and promised to personally refund the cost. He added that he would release a full statement soon, and said: “This is bigger than just football. This is not over.”
Why It’s Causing Outrage
Let’s be honest — this isn’t a football matter. Salma Mashhour wasn’t removed because she failed at her job or broke any rules. She was removed because someone didn’t like her political opinions — even though they were shared months ago, on her personal account, and centered on defending civilians in Gaza.
The club made no effort to engage in dialogue. No due process. Just a reaction to a social media campaign led by one individual.
And that raises bigger questions about who gets to speak, who gets to lead, and who gets erased when they express unpopular — but necessary — truths.
This Isn’t Just About One Job
When Arab creators, athletes, or professionals speak up about Palestine — especially in Western spaces — they’re often told their words are too “political,” “divisive,” or “controversial.”
But standing with civilians, calling out injustice, and defending human rights should never be a fireable offense.
This wasn’t just a job lost. It’s another case of silencing voices that refuse to stay neutral in the face of occupation and oppression. And while the club may have thought it was avoiding controversy, all it did was highlight a bigger issue — one that’s far from over.
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