Turkish footballers repeat military salutes in France match

 Several Turkish international footballers again celebrated scoring a goal by making military-style salutes in front of their fans in Paris.

Several players made the controversial gesture – for the second time in a week – during their Euro 2020 qualifier at the Stade de France, after Kaan Ayhan equalised for Turkey in their 1-1 draw with their French opponents, Euronews reported.

After Ayhan’s goal in the 82nd minute, at least seven Turkish players gathered by the corner flag and made the military salutes with their right arms. The images were not shown live on television. The team repeated the gesture in front of their fans after the match.

UEFA, football’s European governing body, are reportedly investigating following the gesture made by Turkish players against Albania.

On October 9, Erdogan announced the launch of Operation Peace Spring in northern Syria, which began with airstrikes on Kurdish positions. The operation’s goal is to create a buffer zone along the Turkish border, where, according to Ankara, Syrian refugees residing in Turkey could return.