The UEFA’s ruling body said that they will “ examine” reports that Turkey footballers performed a military salute in their Euro 2020 qualifier against Albania to mark their country ’s widely - condemned armed offensive against Kurds in Syria.
“Personally, I have not seen this gesture, which could be considered a provocation,” UEFA’ s press chief Philip Townsend uttered.“ Does the regulation prohibit references to politics and religion? Yes , and I can guarantee you that we will look at this situation.”
The salute was made after Cenk Tosun’ s winning goal for Turkey in the game in Istanbul on Friday. In Turkey , it is common for celebrities, including footballers, to show their support for the security forces after attacks or during military operations . The Turkish offensive began on Wednesday after US President Donald Trump ordered American troops to pull back from the border area of north -east Syria .
After the match , a photo was also posted on the official Twitter account of the national team . In it , the players are seen making a military salute with the tweet indicating the players “ have dedicated their victory to our brave soldiers and fellow martyrs”.
Meanwhile, at the world gymnastics championships in Stuttgart, Turkey’ s Ibrahim Colak made a military- style salute on the podium after winning gold in the men ’s rings event. It was not known if the gesture was linked to the military campaign .
