2024-07-03 10:17:58
Turkey celebrated reaching the quarter-finals of the Euros for the first time since 2008 on Tuesday, beating Austria 2-1 in the round of 16. While goalkeeper Mert Gunok made a crucial stoppage-time save, defender Merih Demiral emerged as the surprise hero for the Turks, scoring both goals. However, Demiral’s on-pitch celebrations sparked deep political controversy and made headlines.
During his double celebration, Demiral made a gesture associated with the Grey Wolves, a right-wing extremist group in Turkey closely linked to Erdogan’s ruling party. In Austria, the country Turkey defeated, the gesture is illegal and carries a fine of up to 4,000 euros.
Journalists from Austria and host country Germany expressed outrage at Demiral’s gesture. “He is publicly displaying a fascist symbol. This organization is responsible for thousands of deaths and now sits in parliament with Erdogan. When will UEFA react?” an Austrian journalist said, according to Israel Hayom.
Demiral’s gesture, captured in the photographs, drew sharp criticism. The Grey Wolves are known for persecuting minorities in Turkey, such as Kurds and Armenians. German journalist of Yazidi origin Düzen Tekkal was particularly offended after receiving threats from members of the group living in Germany. “His gesture is an insult to the victims,” Tekkal said. Another journalist, Tobias Hoch, compared the gesture to a Nazi salute, noting that Adolf Hitler is an inspiration for the group.
Despite the criticism, it is not yet clear whether Demiral will be punished or even suspended for the quarter-final match against the Netherlands on Saturday night.
After the game, Demiral expressed no regrets: “I am very proud to be Turkish and I felt it after the goal. I am happy that I made this gesture.”
He later tweeted a photo of the gesture with the caption: “How happy is he who says ‘I am Turkish’.” It’s a quote from modern Turkey’s founder, Ataturk, that today serves as a mockery of the country’s minorities.
Today is the day of remembrance of #MadameThe fact that Merih Demiral is showing the right-wing extremist wolf salute is not only pure contempt for humanity, but a disgusting mockery of the victims of #MADIMAK. Die @UEFA must respond with harsh consequences – a disgrace! pic.twitter.com/GADHJQJxHN
— Burak Yilmaz (@Burak_Yilmaz47) July 2, 2024
Earlier, Cursor wrote that Minister Katz called Erdogan a “war criminal”, and Turkey responded.
2024-07-03 10:17:58