LONDON: Europe’s football governing body Uefa says it will investigate a military salute given by Turkey footballers after Everton star Cenk Tosun scored a goal against Albania.
Turkey’s 1-0 win in Istanbul came on Friday, amid Turkish army clashes with Kurdish fighters in northern Syria.
Tosun posted the salute photo on Instagram, with the message: “For our nation, especially for the ones who are risking their lives for our nation.”
Uefa does not allow political gestures.
The win keeps Turkey at the top of its group in the Euro 2020 qualifying matches.
On Wednesday Turkey launched a major offensive in areas controlled by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). Dozens of civilians and fighters have been killed on both sides.
Uefa spokesman Philip Townsend told Italian news agency Ansa the Turkish salute “could seem like a provocation.”
“I can guarantee that we will examine this situation,” he said.
Turkey’s military push is now overshadowing the Euro qualifying match between France and Turkey, set for Monday evening in Paris.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has decided to change plans and not attend the match.
Uefa to investigate Turkish footballers’ military salute in Euro-qualifier against Albania
Uefa to investigate Turkish footballers’ military salute in Euro-qualifier against Albania
- Turkey’s 1-0 win over Albania in Istanbul came on Friday, amid Turkish army clashes with Kurdish fighters in northern Syria
- French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian had planned to attend the Euro qualifying match between France and Turkey this evening, but has now canceled his attendance
