German Police Advise Turkish Fans to Refrain from 'Wolf' Gestures - DW News

Sports | July 6, 2024, 7:24 a.m.

Turkish player Merih Demiral received a two-game ban for making a gesture associated with Turkey's far-right while celebrating a victory over Austria. German police have urged Turkish fans to avoid displaying the controversial gray wolf sign during an upcoming Euro 2024 match against the Netherlands. The 'wolf' gesture is linked to Turkey's Gray Wolves extremist group, known for attacks on minority groups. Demiral claimed he was expressing pride in his Turkish heritage, but UEFA deemed his actions to have brought the sport into disrepute. The upcoming match is considered high-risk, with concerns over extremist symbolism. German officials stressed the importance of avoiding political statements on the football field and ensuring a fair and peaceful match. The controversy surrounding Demiral's gesture has sparked a diplomatic row, with Turkish President Erdogan set to attend the match.