In a recent round-of-16 clash at the European football championships, Turkish footballer Merih Demiral sparked outrage by using the so-called ‘wolf salute’ during a match against Austria. The controversial hand gesture is associated with a Turkish far-right organization that Germany has characterized as nationalist-extremist, anti-semitic, and racist.
The incident has unleashed a diplomatic storm, with the German foreign office going so far as to summon Turkey’s ambassador to address the issue. The use of the ‘wolf salute’ by Demiral has further strained relations between Germany and Turkey, especially in light of the provocative nature of the gesture.
The backlash against Demiral’s actions has been swift, with calls for consequences to be faced for his use of the offensive salute. As discussions continue on the appropriate response to this incident, it serves as a stark reminder of the power that gestures and symbols can hold, especially in the context of sportsmanship and international relations.
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Video “Turkish footballer Merih Demiral will face consequences for using the ‘wolf salute’ | DW News” was uploaded on 07/05/2024 to Youtube Channel DW News