A diplomatic dispute has erupted between Germany and Turkiye over a goal celebration performed by a Turkish player at the 2024 European Football Championship (Euro 2024).
On July 2, during a round of 16 match between Turkiye and Austria held in Leipzig, Germany, Turkish center-back Merih Demiral scored two goals, leading Turkiye to the quarterfinals. After his second goal in the 14th minute of the second half, Demiral celebrated with a wolf salute. This hand gesture, which resembles the side profile of a wolf, is made by bringing together the thumb, ring finger, and middle finger while keeping the other two fingers straight.
In Europe, including Germany, it is known as the salute of the Turkish right-wing extremist group Grey Wolves. The Grey Wolves originated from the youth group of the Turkish Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). It considers ethnic groups other than the mainstream Turks, such as the Kurds and Jews, as enemies. Activities of the Grey Wolves are banned in France and Austria, with German authorities monitoring an estimated 12,000 members of the group.
Following the match, German politicians called for disciplinary action against Demiral. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated, “There is no place in our stadiums for symbols of Turkish right-wing extremism,” adding, “Using the Euro as a stage for racism is unacceptable.” Turkish-German politician Cem Ozdemir also criticized Demiral’s hand gesture as “extreme right-wing, a symbol of terror and fascism.” The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) announced that it has launched an investigation into Demiral’s inappropriate behavior.
The Turkish political sphere has responded with backlash, arguing that the wolf salute does not necessarily symbolize right-wing extremism from a Turkish perspective. Historically, the Turks revered wolves as sacred animals, believed to have guided them to safety during hardships in Central Asia. Thus, the salute can be interpreted as a national tradition.
On July 3, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the German ambassador to Turkey to protest against the criticisms from German politicians regarding the player’s celebration. The Ministry stated that “they are investigating the use of historical and cultural symbols as political motives,” and claimed that “the reaction shown by German authorities towards Demiral includes xenophobia.”
In a post-match press conference, Demiral stated, “The celebration is a matter related to my identity as a Turk,” and expressed his hope to have more opportunities to show the salute. Given his acknowledgment of intent, disciplinary action seems inevitable. Demiral may not be able to participate in the quarterfinal match against the Netherlands on July 7, and in the worst-case scenario, he could lose his player eligibility altogether.
