Turkish footballer Demiral banned for two European Championship matches after extreme right-wing wolf salute
The so-called Wolf's Greeting is a sign and symbol of the Turkish far-right and ultranationalist organization Grey Wolves. In Germany, this group, also known as the Ulkucu Movement, is not banned but is monitored by the Constitutional Protection Agency.
The UEFA named several reasons for the ban on Demiral. He did not adhere to general conduct rules, violated the rules of conduct, and tarnished football. Therefore, the 26-year-old is not allowed to participate in the EM quarterfinal match in Berlin on Saturday, to which Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has also announced his attendance.
If Turkey wins against the Netherlands and advances to the semifinals, Demiral would also be banned from the match on Wednesday in Dortmund. There, Turkey would face Switzerland or England.
Turkish Sports Minister Osman Askin Bak condemned the UEFA ban on Demiral. The decision of the European football association was "unfair and biased," the minister declared. "It has no legal basis, and we see it as purely political."
Demiral showed the Wolf's Greeting with both hands after scoring a goal for Turkey against Austria in the EURO quarterfinal match in Leipzig on Tuesday. He himself denied any "hidden message" behind his gesture. "How I celebrated has something to do with my Turkish identity," he said after the match against Austria. He is very proud to be Turkish, and that is the meaning of this gesture.
However, Demiral's gesture caused diplomatic tensions between Berlin and Ankara. After criticism of Demiral's Wolf's Greeting from the German government, the Turkish government summoned the German ambassador to Ankara. Shortly thereafter, the Turkish ambassador was summoned by the Foreign Office in Berlin.
Turkish Ultras called on fans to display the Wolf's Greeting during the Turkish national anthem before the match on Saturday. They wanted to show that "the sign of the Grey Wolves is not 'racism' but 'the national symbol of Turkishness'."
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) expressed his pleasure that Erdogan would come to Berlin to watch the football match. However, no meeting was planned. Many state and government heads come to visit Germany, Scholz said. Not every one of them has a direct meeting - "unless we are both in the same game."
The Berlin Police announced that they would ensure the safety of Erdogan during his visit. "We will do everything necessary to protect the foreign guest."
The police are also prepared for possible car processions and jubilees on Saturday evening in Berlin, a spokesperson said. Special attention will be paid to known gathering points. After the previous Turkey matches at the EURO, numerous fans had gathered at Breitscheidplatz. There were also several car processions in Neukölln.
- Despite the UEFA's ban on Demiral due to the Wolf's Greeting, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan still plans to attend the EM quarterfinal match in Berlin.
- If Turkey manages to advance to the semifinals, Demiral will also be banned from the match in Dortmund against either Switzerland or England.
- The Turkish Sports Minister Osman Askin Bak condemned the UEFA's decision, calling it "unfair and biased" with no legal basis.
- Demiral, a soccer player, denied any hidden message behind his Wolf's Greeting after scoring against Austria, stating it was an expression of his Turkish identity.
- The Wolf's Greeting caused diplomatic tension between Berlin and Ankara, leading to the summoning of both the German and Turkish ambassadors.
- Turkish Ultras encouraged fans to display the Wolf's Greeting during the Turkish national anthem at the Saturday match in Berlin, viewing it as a national symbol of Turkishness, not racism.
- Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his pleasure at Erdogan's visit to Berlin for the football match, but no meeting was planned.
- The Berlin Police will ensure the protection of Erdogan during his visit and is prepared for possible car processions and jubilees on Saturday evening.
- Germany isn't the only country monitoring the Gray Wolves; the Constitutional Protection Agency in Austria is also keeping an eye on the organization.
- The Wolf's Greeting has not been limited to soccer matches; the Turkish far-right also used this gesture during political demonstrations, such as in England, Switzerland, and Germany.
