EVERTON striker Cenk Tosun has denied making the far-right ‘Grey Wolves’ gesture after scoring against Rotherham.
The 29-year-old wheeled away after scoring what he thought was his second goal to put the Toffees 2-1 in the FA Cup third round clash.
Everton striker Cenk Tosun has denied making the ‘Grey Wolves’ sign
This is the sign to show support for the Grey WolvesCredit: AFP – Getty
The Turkish international held his arms apart before pointing them at the sky, with his fingers in a similar form to the sign made by members of the extremist group.
The goal ended up being disallowed, but Everton scraped through in the end thanks to Abdoulaye Doucoure’s extra-time winner.
But much of the talk after the game was around Tosun’s celebration.
However, according to the Liverpool Echo Tosun ‘made it clear he had not made the gesture, or even being aware of the group based in Turkey’.
He claimed “he was simply pointing to the sky in thanks”.
The Grey Wolves are an ultra-nationalist neo-fascist group based in Turkey.
They are the largest right-wing extremist organisation in Germany and were banned by the French government last year.
Tosun had ended a 14-month goal drought inside ten minutes at Goodison Park by dinking the ball past Chelsea loanee Jamal Blackman, after Anthony Gordon’s lovely turn and pass split the Rotherham defence open.
Devlet Bahceli, leader of Turkeys Nationalist Movement Party, has been known for supporting the far-right movementCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But Carlo Ancelotti’s side did not use the early lead to their advantage and let Rotherham back into the tie.
The Millers put a complacent Everton under huge pressure and finally were rewarded when Matthew Olosunde rolled the ball into the corner of the net 11 minutes into the second-half.
But they could not make the most of their VAR reprieve and Rodriguez eventually did turn provider for former Watford midfielder Doucoure – who smoothly stroked the ball home three minutes into extra time to put Everton in the fourth round.
Jonas Lossl shows off his goalkeeping skills at Everton training
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
