Germany summoned Turkey’s ambassador in Berlin on Thursday in response to a controversial gesture made by Turkish soccer player Merih Demiral during a goal celebration at the European Championship. Demiral allegedly made an ultra-nationalist gesture, known as a ‘wolf salute,’ associated with the Turkish right-wing extremist group “Grey Wolves” during Turkey's match against Austria.
The German foreign ministry confirmed that the Turkish ambassador was summoned in Berlin, following Turkey's recall of the German ambassador in Ankara. Discussions regarding the incident took place between German representatives and the Turkish ambassador in Berlin.
UEFA, the governing body of European soccer, announced an investigation into Demiral’s behavior, which was condemned by German leaders. Germany's Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized that symbols of Turkish right-wing extremists have no place in stadiums and that using the European football championships as a platform for racism is unacceptable.
It was reported that Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to attend Turkey’s game against the Netherlands in Berlin on Saturday. After Turkey's victory against Austria, Demiral posted a picture of himself making the controversial gesture on social media, stating, “Happy is one who calls themselves a Turk.”
Demiral defended his actions, explaining that the gesture was related to his Turkish identity and pride. The Turkish Foreign Ministry criticized UEFA's decision to investigate Demiral, labeling the reactions from German authorities as xenophobic and politically motivated.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry stated, “We condemn the politically motivated reactions to the use of a historical and cultural symbol in a way that does not target anyone during the celebration of joy at a sports event.”
