Turkish fans provoke with controversial gesture in football game
Turkish fans provoke with controversial gesture in football game
police reacts to the "wolf greeting" of the Turkish fans
before EM quarter-finalsThe upcoming European Football Championship caused a sensation in advance, especially in connection with the Turkish fans and their controversial gesture of the "wolf greeting". The police in Berlin have now reacted and asked the fans to avoid this gesture to avoid potential conflicts.
The Merih Demiral goal celebration affair, a Turkish international, led to diplomatic tensions between Germany and Turkey. The Turkish government was sensitive to criticism from the federal government and appointed the German ambassador in Ankara. In response to this, the Turkish ambassador in Germany was also ordered by the Federal Foreign Office.
The Kurdish community in Germany expressed concerns that President Erdogan could also pay homage to the "gray wolves" during the game and show the controversial gesture. The federal chairman of the community, Toprak, warned of potential violent scenes that would not be compatible with the spirit of a peaceful football tournament. He called for a quick ban on the right-wing extremist "ülkücü" movement, which is behind the "gray wolves" to ensure security.
Merih Demiral was blocked by the UEFA for two games after he cheered his goal in the round of 16 with the controversial wolf greeting.
It remains to be seen how the situation will continue to escalate, while the quarter -finals of the European Championship are closer and stop the tensions between the parties involved.
This article was published on July 6th, 2024 on Deutschlandfunk.
- Nag