Merih Demiral's alleged right-wing ‘wolf salute’ Turkish goal celebration causes diplomatic spat

UEFA has launched an investigation into Turkey soccer player Merih Demiral's “alleged inappropriate behaviour” after he celebrated a goal at Euro 2024 by displaying a hand sign associated with an ultra-nationalist group. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

Alexander Ratz and Huseyin Hayatsever i

Turkey's ambassador to Germany has been summoned over a Turkish football player's "wolf salute" goal celebration, the German foreign ministry said on Thursday, ramping up a diplomatic spat amid reports that Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan will come to Berlin this weekend.

European soccer's governing body UEFA opened an investigation into the Turkish centre-back Merih Demiral's celebration after scoring in a Tuesday evening European Championship match. Germany condemned the gesture as racist due to its far-right associations.