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    Categories: 2019

Uefa probes Turkish footballers’ military salute in Euro 2020 qualifier

Panorama, Armenia
Oct 15 2019
Sport 11:05 15/10/2019 World

Europe's football governing body Uefa says it will investigate a military salute given by Turkish footballers after Everton star Cenk Tosun scored a goal against Albania, BBC News reports.

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.

On Instagram, the Turkish Football Federation also posted an image of the Turkey players and trainers saluting in the dressing room, along with the message:

"At the end of the road lies the championship! After seven matches we continue our leadership in the Euro 2020 Qualifying Group H. We give this win to all our hero soldiers."

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, let me check," he said.

Uefa's disciplinary rules prohibit "the use of gestures, words, objects or any other means to transmit a provocative message that is not fit for a sports event, particularly provocative messages that are of a political, ideological, religious or offensive nature".

Bedik Zaminian: