Antisemitic ‘No Deel ZOG’ graffiti appears near Emirates Stadium after Arsenal sponsor announcement
Slogan referencing a neo-Nazi conspiracy theory was spray-painted near Arsenal’s ground days after Deel partnership revealed
Antisemitic graffiti referencing Arsenal’s new Israeli co-founded shirt sponsor has appeared near the Emirates Stadium on Monday night following the club’s 1-0 Premier League victory over Burnley.
The words “NO DEEL ZOG” were spray-painted inside a pedestrian railway tunnel close to the north London stadium. Images shared online showed the slogan written in large black lettering on the tunnel wall.
The graffiti appeared days after Arsenal confirmed that global payroll company Deel would become the club’s official shirt sleeve sponsor from the 2026/27 season.
Deel was co-founded in 2019 by French-Israeli entrepreneur Alex Bouaziz and Chinese-born entrepreneur Shuo Wang. Bouaziz, who grew up between Paris and Tel Aviv and is now based in Israel, has become one of the most prominent Israeli figures in global tech following the company’s rapid expansion.
The term “ZOG” stands for “Zionist Occupied Government” – an antisemitic conspiracy theory commonly used by neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups. The phrase falsely claims that Jewish people secretly control governments and institutions.
Arsenal announced the expanded Deel partnership last week, confirming the company’s logo would appear on the left sleeve of the club’s home, away and third kits from next season.
The deal builds on an earlier agreement signed in December 2025, when Deel became Arsenal’s official HR platform partner. The company’s software is also expected to be rolled out across Arsenal’s workforce and HR systems.
Speaking after the sponsorship announcement, Bouaziz said: “Having our name on one of the most iconic shirts in world football is a proud moment for everyone at Deel, and a reflection of a partnership built on shared global ambition.”
In a LinkedIn post, he also referenced his football loyalties ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, writing: “Yes, I’m a PSG fan. But like every French kid, I grew up dreaming in front of Arsène, Titi (Thierry Henry) and the Invincibles.”
In a response posted on X, Islington Council said its environment team had visited the scene alongside police and forensic officers.
“We’re very saddened to see this,” the council wrote. “They are working with Arsenal to remove the offensive graffiti, and we will return to check that it has been removed.”
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “On Monday, 18 April, an investigation was launched after Met officers on patrol discovered antisemitic graffiti on Hornsey Road, near the Emirates Stadium in Islington.
“The graffiti is being treated by police as racially or religiously aggravated criminal damage.
“Enquiries are ongoing. At this early stage, no arrests have been made.”
Anyone with information has been asked to contact the police quoting reference 01/7579438/26 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.
Deel and Arsenal have been approached for comment.
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