Türkiye summons German Ambassador amid Euro 2024 gesture controversy
Türkiye's defender #03 Merih Demiral makes a controversial hand gesture as he celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Euro 2024 round of 16 football match between Austria and Turkey at the Leipzig Stadium in Leipzig on July 2, 2024. - UEFA said on July 3, 2024 it had opened a probe into Turkey defender Merih Demiral for celebrating a goal in the team's 2-1 win against Austria in Leipzig, Germany on July, 2, 2024. (AFP Photo)
In a diplomatic escalation, Türkiye summoned Germany’s ambassador on Wednesday following a dispute over a gesture made by Turkish footballer Merih Demiral during a Euro 2024 match.
The incident has sparked tension between the two nations, highlighting the sensitive intersection of sports, politics, and national identity.
The controversy stems from Demiral’s goal celebration in Türkiye’s 2-1 victory over Austria in Leipzig. The defender’s gesture, associated with the Turkish ultra-nationalist group Grey Wolves, prompted swift condemnation from German officials and a UEFA investigation into “inappropriate behavior.”
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser took to social media, declaring, “The symbols of Turkish right-wing extremists have no place in our stadiums. Using the European football championships as a platform for racism is completely unacceptable.”
Turkish swift response was forceful as the German ambassador was summoned to the Turkish foreign ministry. In a strongly worded statement, the ministry accused German authorities of xenophobia, asserting that their reaction to Demiral’s celebration was “politically motivated.”
“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 at a sports event,” the Turkish foreign ministry stated. They also pointed out that Germany’s own domestic intelligence service had previously noted that not all uses of the gesture necessarily indicate far-right extremism.
Demiral, for his part, denied any political intent behind his actions. “The way I celebrated had something to do with my Turkish identity,” he explained after the match. “We are all Turks, I am very proud to be Turkish and that is the meaning of this gesture.”
This diplomatic row underscores the complex dynamics at play in international sporting events, where national pride and cultural expressions can sometimes clash with host country sensibilities.
As both nations await the outcome of UEFA’s investigation, the incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required in navigating cultural differences on the global stage.
