German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has urged UEFA to take action against Turkish player Merih Demiral's goal celebration during the round of 16 match between Turkey and Austria in the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship (EURO 2024). Faeser emphasized that the symbols of far-right Turks have no place in German stadiums and condemned the use of the European Football Championship as a platform for racism.

Addressing the issue on social media platform X, Faeser stated, "The symbols of far-right Turks have no place in our stadiums. Using the European Football Championship as a platform for racism is completely unacceptable. We expect UEFA to investigate the matter and consider sanctions." She also highlighted that security officials in Germany closely monitor far-right Turkish groups, such as the 'Bozkurtlar,' under the supervision of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution.

Additionally, German Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir expressed concerns about Demiral's goal celebration by stating, "The message is far-right, representing terrorism and fascism. It is exhausting to debate this. UEFA must draw a conclusion."

Merih Demiral, who scored both goals against Austria, made a controversial hand gesture known as the "bozkurt" symbol during his celebration. The Turkish fans' and player's behavior sparked a heated debate not only in Germany but also in Turkey, where opinions on the symbol are divided.

As discussions on social media platforms unfolded, users highlighted differing perspectives regarding the symbolism and implications of the gesture. While some condemned the use of far-right symbols in stadiums, others questioned the double standards in addressing similar behaviors in different countries.

The incident has underscored the intersection of politics and sports, prompting calls for thorough investigations from both German authorities and UEFA. The controversy surrounding Demiral's celebration has sparked a broader conversation about the role of political symbols in football and the need for consistent enforcement of regulations across all European stadiums.

The comments from social media users reflected a range of opinions, from condemnation of perceived immaturity to questioning the response to similar incidents in other countries. The incident involving Merih Demiral's celebration has reignited debates surrounding political gestures in sports and the responsibilities of players and fans in promoting a respectful and inclusive sporting environment.