The so-called wolf salute of Turkish national footballer Merih Demiral at the European Football Championship is attracting even more diplomatic circles. The Turkish ambassador in Berlin was summoned to the Foreign Ministry on Thursday, a spokeswoman for the ministry in Berlin announced.
The German ambassador in Ankara had already been summoned on Wednesday. The Turkish government accuses Germany of “xenophobia”. Demiral showed the “wolf salute” with his hands after scoring a goal in Turkey’s round of 16 against Austria, which is seen as a symbol of the right-wing extremist Turkish Grey Wolves.
There are 18,500 members in Germany, making the group the largest right-wing extremist organization in the country. The Gray Wolves are not banned, but are supervised by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution.
Wolf salute is not prohibited in Germany
The wolf salute is not banned in Germany. “The symbols of Turkish right-wing extremists have no place in our stadiums,” wrote German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser on Platform X.
“Using the European Championship as a platform for racism is completely unacceptable.” She called on European football’s governing body UEFA to investigate the matter and consider sanctions, which she promised to do.
Erdogan wants to come to Germany himself
Turkey defeated Austria 2-1 in Leipzig on Tuesday and will face the Netherlands in Berlin in the quarterfinals on Saturday. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is also expected to attend the match.
Demiral scored both goals against Austria. He now risks a ban. The newspaper ‘Bild’ wanted to know more about the two-match suspension on Thursday evening. However, Turkish media then spread information from the Turkish association that no decision had been made in the case. UEFA initially did not want to comment on this.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
