Information
UEFA has initiated an investigation into Turkish football player Merih Demiral for his “inappropriate behaviour” during a Euro 2024 knockout match against Austria. Demiral, who scored twice in the game, made the controversial “wolf salute” gesture, associated with Turkey’s far-right “Gray Wolves,” after his second goal. Demiral defended his actions, claiming the gesture was an expression of his national pride and had no hidden agenda. He stated that he was merely demonstrating his happiness and pride in being Turkish, noting that others in the stadium were also making the gesture. Despite his defence, the action has drawn significant criticism.
The wolf salute is linked to the ultra-nationalist and often violent Gray Wolves, whose targets include non-Turkish ethnic minorities. The Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) had already called on UEFA to ban the salute from stadiums, citing its repeated appearance in previous games. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser condemned the gesture, urging UEFA to impose sanctions, emphasizing that symbols of right-wing extremism have no place in European football. Critics argue that such gestures are harmful and undermine the celebration of the sport, calling for strict measures to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents in the future.
Source: dpa, SID
So what
Even if he does receive some form of punishment, it is likely he will continue to share nation-list symbols or at least be as close to them as he can without facing punishment. Despite attempts by FIFA, the IOC, and other world sports governing bodies to claim that sports can be non-political, the reality is much different. States almost certainly use large sporting events to highlight their “greatness”, improve their public image, and attempt to reduce criticism in what is termed “sportwashing”. Similarly, supporters of groups such as the Gray Wolves use the platform to highlight their group’s cause and viewpoint.
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