German police urge Turkish fans to avoid ‘wolf’ salute: report

German police have urged Turkish fans not to display the controversial “wolf” gesture during the Euro 2024 match against the Netherlands, Deutsche Welle reported on Saturday.

The appeal comes after Turkish player Merih Demiral was banned for two games for making the sign, which is associated with Turkey’s far-right, during a celebration following Turkey’s victory over Austria.

The German police union (GdP) expressed concern over the potential presence of extremist symbols at the match. GdP chief Jochen Kopelke, speaking from Bremen, was quoted by DW as saying that “politics has no place on the football field” and highlighting the importance of a fair and peaceful match. Kopelke warned that the use of extremist symbols would pose exceptional law enforcement challenges and mentioned the need to consider conditions for a full ban on the “grey wolf” sign.

The Grey Wolves are regarded as the militant wing of Turkey’s far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and have been banned in France and Austria but not in Germany, the host country of Euro 2024. They are known for attacks on leftists and ethnic minorities such as Kurds, Armenians and Greeks.

Turkish ultranationalists have called for fans to use the gesture at the match, which will be attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The match between Turkey and the Netherlands is scheduled for 9 p.m. local time (1900 UTC/GMT) on Saturday.

Demiral was barred from participating in the Turkey-Netherlands match and a potential semi-final against England or Switzerland if Turkey advances. UEFA stated that Demiral’s actions failed “to comply with the general principles of conduct” and brought football “into disrepute.” Demiral defended his gesture, claiming it was meant to express pride in being Turkish, with no hidden message.

His gesture has triggered a diplomatic row between Turkey and Euro 2024 host nation Germany, where an estimated 3 million Turks live.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser warned “the symbols of Turkish right-wing extremists have no place in our stadiums.”

The Turkish and German foreign ministries summoned each other’s ambassadors this week over the row about Demiral’s salute.