10°c Light rain
16°c Variable cloudiness
The Canadian Press - ONLINE EDITION
AEK Athens player Giorgos Katidis banned from Greece national teams for life over Nazi salute
AEK Athens midfielder Giorgos Katidis raises his hand in a Nazi style salute as he celebrates scoring the winner in a Greek league gaame against Veria in Athens' Olympic Stadium, Saturday, March 16, 2013. AEK won the game 2-1. There has been no official reaction yet to the gesture, which has raised a storm of protest on the Internet. (AP Photo/INTIME)
ATHENS, Greece - AEK Athens midfielder Giorgos Katidis has been banned from any Greek national team for life after giving a Nazi salute while celebrating a goal in the Greek league.
Greece's football federation said Sunday in a statement that the player's gesture "is a deep insult to all victims of Nazi brutality."
The 20-year-old Katidis gave a Nazi salute after scoring the winner in AEK's 2-1 victory over Veria on Saturday. His action provoked an immediate and overwhelmingly negative response on social media. Katidis apologized on TV and Twitter, pleading ignorance about the meaning of the salute.
AEK and the Greek league are also considering separate sanctions. AEK could also be penalized.
Hardcore AEK fans have issued a statement demanding Katidis' dismissal from the team.
Katidis has played for Greek junior teams.
More Soccer
- Back to Top
- Return to Soccer
More Soccer
(1 of 50 articles for this week)
Australian football boss says it's not "a disaster" if Australia misses World Cup qualifying
2:09 AM 0SYDNEY - Australian football's leading administrator says it won't be "a disaster" if Australia fails to qualify for the 2014 ...
Poll
Most Popular Soccer
- Slim, Mexico's biggest broadcaster take fight to soccer field
- Esteghlal, Guangzhou open 2nd round with away wins in Asian Champions League
- German Chancellor Angela Merkel to attend all-German Champions League final in Wembley
- Star-studded Guangzhou wary of A-League champs the Mariners in 2nd round opener
- Beckham a true pro from start to finish, detractors be danged
- Cruz Azul, America to meet in Mexican Clausura final
- Ferguson's retirement shifts dynamic of the Premier League ahead of next season
- Everton nears Europa League qualification spot after beating Fulham 1-0 in Premier League
- A-League's Adelaide United hires Spaniard Josep Gombau as head coach
- New Zealand forward Marco Rojas to join Bundesliga's Stuttgart from Melbourne Victory
- Seattle man dribbling soccer ball to Brazil killed by car on Oregon Coast
- German Chancellor Angela Merkel to attend all-German Champions League final in Wembley
- David Beckham's life after football will see him remain a global figure in the sport he loves
- Real Madrid to host Atletico Madrid in Copa del Rey final on May 17
- Esteghlal, Guangzhou open 2nd round with away wins in Asian Champions League
- David Beckham says he will retire from pro soccer at the end of the season
- Star-studded Guangzhou wary of A-League champs the Mariners in 2nd round opener
- Beckham a true pro from start to finish, detractors be danged
- Sydney FC and Del Piero to play friendly against Sagan Tosu in Japan on July 24
- Santos Laguna to meet Cruz Azul, America plays Monterrey in Mexican semifinals
- Seattle man dribbling soccer ball to Brazil killed by car on Oregon Coast
- Police: Utah soccer referee dies, after player's punch sends him into a coma
- Utah teen charged with homicide by assault in death of soccer referee who died after punch
- Football Association says Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has not appealed his 10-match ban
- Family of Utah soccer referee who died holds vigil; calls on players to control tempers
- German Chancellor Angela Merkel to attend all-German Champions League final in Wembley
- David Beckham's life after football will see him remain a global figure in the sport he loves
- Utah referee in coma after being punched by teen player
- Barca's collapse signifies end of era
- Brisbane beats Adelaide 2-1 to advance to A-League semifinal and chance to repeat as champions
- Seattle man dribbling soccer ball to Brazil killed by car on Oregon Coast
- German Chancellor Angela Merkel to attend all-German Champions League final in Wembley
- Seattle man dribbling soccer ball to Brazil killed by car on Oregon Coast
- German Chancellor Angela Merkel to attend all-German Champions League final in Wembley
- Utah referee critically hurt by punch to face from teen upset about call during soccer game
- Ronaldinho boosts chances to make Confed Cup team after great performance in Copa Libertadores
- Eintracht Braunschweig is promoted to Bundesliga after 28 years
- Man United hires Everton's David Moyes to replace Alex Ferguson on 6-year contract
Ads by Google
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.
Have Your Say
New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.