Turkey summons German ambassador to protest criticism of Demiral's goal celebration at Euro 2024

Turkey's Merih Demiral, right, celebrates after scoring his side second goal during a round of sixteen match between Austria and Turkey at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Leipzig, Germany, Tuesday, July 2, 2024.

Turkey's Merih Demiral, right, celebrates after scoring his side second goal during a round of sixteen match between Austria and Turkey at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Leipzig, Germany, Tuesday, July 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)


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LEIPZIG, Germany — A controversial gesture made by Turkey player Merih Demiral at soccer's European Championship has ignited a diplomatic brouhaha between the country and host nation Germany. Turkey has summoned the German ambassador to protest German interior minister Nancy Faeser's condemnation of Demiral's goal celebration the night before. Demiral scored both goals Tuesday in a 2-1 win over Austria to earn Turkey's place in the quarterfinals. After scoring the second goal he made a sign with each hand that is used by Turkish nationalists and associated with the Turkish ultra-nationalist Gray Wolves group. Faeser urged UEFA to punish the player for making the gesture.

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