Leipzig, Germany – A controversial display by Turkish soccer player Merih Demiral during the European Championship has sparked a heated diplomatic dispute between Turkey and host nation Germany. Demiral’s celebratory hand gesture, associated with an ultra-nationalist group, drew criticism from German officials, leading to a formal protest by Turkey in response.
Following Turkey’s 2-1 victory over Austria, Demiral scored both goals and made a hand sign associated with Turkish nationalists and the Gray Wolves, a Turkish ultra-nationalist organization. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser condemned the gesture, calling on UEFA to take action against the player for promoting racism and fascism on a major platform like the European Championship.
German politician of Turkish descent, Cem Özdemir, labeled Demiral’s gesture as extreme right and representative of terror and fascism. UEFA has launched an investigation into the matter, without specifying a timeline for completion, as Turkey prepares to face the Netherlands in Berlin on Saturday.
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry denounced Faeser’s comments and UEFA’s probe as inappropriate reactions aimed at a harmless expression of national pride through a historical and cultural symbol. The Ministry argued that the German authorities’ response contained elements of xenophobia, emphasizing that not all persons making the Gray Wolf sign should be deemed far-right extremists.
Demiral defended his gesture, stating that it was a display of Turkish identity and national pride, devoid of any hidden messages. The player expressed his hope for future opportunities to make similar gestures. Despite facing reprimand in 2019 for military-style salutes, Demiral’s celebration has inflamed tensions and drawn rebuke from various political figures and groups tied to the Gray Wolves.
The Gray Wolves, originally the youth wing of Turkey’s far-right Nationalist Movement Party, have a contentious history involving politically motivated violence. The group’s significance and influence have continued to stir debate and concern, prompting different reactions across European countries. As the investigation continues, the implications of Demiral’s gesture extend beyond the soccer field, touching on questions of nationalism, extremism, and cultural symbolism.