EURO 2024: Demiral probe set as German minister slams gesture
A UEFA probe on Merih Demiral is set after a German minister slammed his gesture following Turkey’s victory over Austria in EURO 2024 action.
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DEMIRAL PROBE SET AFTER UEFA RESPONDS TO TURKEY CENTER-BACK’S ‘INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR’
A Demiral probe is set after UEFA responded to what it described Turkey’s center-back’s act as “inappropriate behavior.”
The 26-year-old Al-Ahli standout made a “wolf salute” gesture after he scored twice in Turkey’s 2-1 win over Austria.
That sent the Crescent-Stars to the last eight against the Netherlands.
Furthermore, the victory led to wild celebrations among the pro-Turkish fans in Leipzig that were triggered by Demiral’s gesture.
A tournament organizer confirmed UEFA’s decision to probe Demiral, whose gesture allegedly symbolized an ultra-nationalist salute.
GERMAN MINISTER SLAMS DEMIRAL GESTURE AS HUMAN RIGHTS GROUP SEEKS CRACKDOWN
Furthermore, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser condemned on Wednesday Demiral’s goal celebration.
The Turkish center back’s “wolf salute” is associated with the Turkish right-wing extremist group “Grey Wolves.”
“The symbols of Turkish right-wing extremists have no place in our stadiums,” the minister said on X (formerly Twitter).
“Using the European football championships as a platform for racism is completely unacceptable,” she added.
Moreover, German Agriculture Minister Cem Ozdemir said “nothing about the wolf salute is hidden.”
Interestingly, the German human rights organization Society for Threatened Peoples called on UEFA to crack down on the use of the “wolf salute.”
On the other hand, the NGO’s Middle East lead Kamal Sido described Demiral’s gesture as “a symbol of oppression and persecution.”
DEMIRAL DEFENDS GESTURE, SAYS NO ‘HIDDEN MESSAGE’ AIMED IN CELEBRATION
Furthermore, Demiral defended his actions, saying his gesture had no “hidden message” when he celebrated his goals following Turkey’s win.
“The way I celebrated had something to do with my Turkish identity. We are all Turks. I am very proud to be Turkish and that is the meaning of this gesture,” the center back said.
“I just wanted to demonstrate how happy I am and how proud I am,” he added.
The Turkish foreign ministry, meanwhile, summoned Germany’s ambassador after the accusations were hurled against Demiral.
A spokesman for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s party, Omer Celik, described Faeser’s comments and the UEFA probe as “unacceptable.”
“It would be more appropriate for those looking for racism and fascism to focus on the recent election results in different European countries,” Celik wrote on X.
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