French Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu called on the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) to punish the Turkish national team after a military greeting-style celebration of a goal during a European Championship 2020 qualifier against the French team
MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 15th October, 2019) French sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu called on the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) to punish the Turkish national team after a military greeting-style celebration of a goal during a European Championship 2020 qualifier against the French team.
The match, held at the Stade de France on Monday, ended with a 1-1 draw. French striker Olivier Giroud scored the opener in the 76th minute, but Turkey's center back Kaan Ayhan leveled the match in the 82nd. Players of the Turkish national team celebrated Ayhan's goal with a military greeting, obviously paying a tribute to their country's ongoing military operation in northern Syria.
"I thank the French Football Federation (FFF) and the police for their work to ensure security during the game. Turkish football players spoiled these efforts by demonstrating a military greeting, which is contrary to the sporting spirit. I urge UEFA to apply exemplary sanctions," Maracineanu said on Twitter.
Political statements during the competitions are prohibited by UEFA.
Turkey launched an offensive in northern Syria on October 9 in a bid to create a "safe zone" along the border that would be free of Kurdish militias. Turkish troops have already claimed control over the cities of Ras al-Ain and Tell Abiad.
