Controversy Erupts Over Merih Demiral's Goal Celebration
The Turkish center back Merih Demiral, who scored two crucial goals against Austria to advance his team to the Euro Cup quarter-finals, has sparked a significant controversy. His celebratory gesture, the Gray Wolf salute, has led to an investigation by UEFA and accusations of promoting ultra-right and racist ideas from Germany. The Turkish Government has responded by summoning the German ambassador to protest what they perceive as a xenophobic campaign against Demiral.
The Gray Wolf symbol has historical roots in Turkic mythology, representing protection and the founding of the Turkish empires. However, in the 1970s, it became associated with far-right paramilitary groups in Turkey, known as the Gray Wolves, linked to the Nationalist Action Party (MHP). These groups were involved in violent confrontations and numerous murders, and their symbol has since been associated with Turkish ultra-nationalism.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Federal Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir have condemned Demiral's gesture, calling for UEFA to take action. Özdemir emphasized that the symbol represents right-wing extremism, terror, and fascism. Human rights activists, including Düzen Tekkal, have also criticized the gesture, highlighting the threats and violence associated with the Gray Wolves.
UEFA Investigation and Potential Consequences
UEFA has launched an investigation into Demiral's actions, which could lead to sanctions and affect his participation in the upcoming quarter-final against the Netherlands. Demiral defended his celebration as an expression of his Turkish identity, but the controversy has overshadowed Turkey's victory celebrations in Germany and Austria.
The Gray Wolves, although not an official organization, represent an ultranationalist ideology prevalent among several Turkish political parties, including the MHP, IYI, and the Victory Party. This ideology has gained significant traction in Turkey, with these parties collectively securing around 25% of the votes in recent elections. The gesture has been normalized in Turkish politics, with even President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and opposition leaders using it to appeal to nationalist sympathizers.
The celebrations in Germany, particularly in Rosenheim and Munich, saw thousands of Turkish fans taking to the streets, leading to traffic disruptions and minor incidents. The police managed to maintain order, and the celebrations remained largely peaceful, despite the underlying tensions surrounding Demiral's controversial gesture.
- The Turkish Government has emphasized that not all individuals who use the Gray Wolf symbol should be considered extremists. This stance is backed by a report from the German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution.
- Austria has banned the Gray Wolf symbol since 2019, and France has debated a similar ban. Germany's secret services closely monitor the symbol's use due to its association with acts of vandalism and racist attacks.
- In Munich, the police set up traffic barriers and diversions to manage the large crowds of celebrating Turkish fans. The celebrations included chants, fireworks, and motorcades, which led to temporary closures of certain areas and minor disturbances.
- In Rosenheim, the celebrations were marred by a car accident involving a local woman under the influence of alcohol. Fortunately, there were no injuries, but the incident highlighted the need for police intervention to ensure public safety during such large-scale celebrations.
