Turkey’s Erdogan to attend Euro 2024 quarterfinals in Berlin amid diplomatic row

Turkey’s Erdogan is expected to attend the Euro 2024 quarterfinals on Saturday in Germany despite a recent row between Ankara and Berlin over a Turkish footballer, who signalled a nationalist gesture at a match. Germany condemned the behaviour, which drew criticism from Turkey accusing German authorities of xenophobia.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be in Germany for his country's Euro 2024 quarter-final on Saturday, the presidency told AFP, as Ankara and Berlin trade barbs over a Turkish footballer's celebratory gesture.

Germany summoned Turkey's ambassador in Berlin on Thursday morning amid a spiralling diplomatic row which erupted after Turkish footballer Merih Demiral made an alleged ultra-nationalist hand sign during his team's win over Austria.

In a tweet announcing the move the German foreign ministry said that "as the host of Euro 2024 we want sport to bring people together".

A day earlier Turkey had summoned the German envoy in Ankara.

After scoring his second goal in Turkey's 2-1 victory over Austria on Tuesday Demiral made a gesture associated with Turkish ultra-nationalist group Grey Wolves.

While Erdogan himself has not yet weighed in on the row directly, several ministers and the spokesman of his ruling AKP party have condemned Faeser's reaction.

(AFP)


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