2024-07-03 09:14:53
Demiral formed the symbol of the “grey wolf”
After Leipzig’s second goal in the 2-1 last-16 win over Austria, Demiral made the “grey wolf” sign with his hands. Supporters of the right-wing extremist “Urkügü movement” monitored by Germany’s Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution are known as “grey wolves.” In Turkey, the ultra-nationalist People’s Party is its political representative and an ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Islamist-conservative Justice and Development Party. Demiral explained that the way he celebrated had to do with his “Turkish identity.”
UEFA calls for action
Journalist Tekal called on European football union UEFA to take action. “Society must not turn a blind eye to racism and fascism among parts of the population with immigrant backgrounds! All forms of contempt for humanity and anti-constitutional behavior must be combated!”
Can Dündar, a Turkish journalist and author in exile, wrote on X:
“Congratulations, Merih! With just one gesture, you reduced 100% happiness to 5%.”
‘An absolute scandal’
The Threatened Peoples Association also called on UEFA not to tolerate wolf rituals. “To perform the wolf salute so prominently on the anniversary of the Sivas massacre is an absolute scandal,” said Kamal Sido, STP’s Middle East adviser. “The Turkish national team must publicly distance itself from displays of right-wing extremist symbols.”
Türkiye will face Netherlands on Saturday
Thirty years ago, an Islamist mob, incited by religious extremists, set fire to a hotel in central Sivas where Alevi writers, singers and intellectuals were staying. The fire killed 37 people, most of whom believed in the Alevi religion. The Alevis are a religious minority in Sunni-majority Turkey.
Türkiye will face the Netherlands in Berlin on Saturday for a spot in the European Cup semi-finals.
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