Everton forward Cenk Tosun speaks out on his goal celebration in the FA Cup tie against Rotherham amid claims it’s politically motivated.
During the second half, the 29-year-old got on the end of a James Rodriguez free-kick to find the net, putting the ball past Millers goalkeeper Jamal Blackman from close range, however the goal was ruled out by VAR.
It is alleged the Premier League striker celebrated with the sign of Turkish far-right group the ‘Grey Wolves’ with his left hand before it was disallowed.
Club officials said they spoke to Tosun after the match and claimed he stated that he did not make the gesture and was just “celebrating and pointing to the sky”.
Everton assistant manager Duncan Ferguson also said he didn’t see Tosun’s celebration so couldn’t pass comment on it.
Tosun got on the goal sheet for Everton’s opener in the ninth minute at Goodison Park with a left-footed chip which was his first goal for the club since 2019.
Midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure cemented Carlo Ancelotti’s side’s place in the fourth round with a finish early in extra-time.
Everton assistant manager Duncan Ferguson: “I thought we had the best of the first 25 minutes and then Rotherham came back, pushed us all the way and got the equaliser. It was a tough game for us and one we were delighted to get through.”
Rotherham boss Paul Warne: “I was really pleased. The only disappointment for me was the first five or 10 minutes, I think we showed them too much respect which I warned them about in the dressing room. I thought we took the game to them after we conceded and I thought we were the better side in the first half.
“For us to come here and compete against a team three or four points off the top of the Premier League shows how well we performed today so I am proud of that.”
Tosun says he will make a decision on his Toffees future in “2-3 weeks” with Everton open to offers for the 29-year-old but while Duncan Ferguson says any transfer is a matter for the club and player, he is backing the Turkey international to still be a key figure in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad this season.
“It will be down to the club and himself,” the Everton assistant said, following the 2-1 extra-time win.
“Cenk has got a big part to play at the club.”
Fans reacted as Everton’s Cenk Tosun speaks out on his ‘controversial’ goal celebration after criticism online…
It looks like Tosun just did the Grey Wolves sign in his celebration.
If you didn’t know, it’s considered to be an ultra nationalist fascist movement in Turkey. pic.twitter.com/Qi2m4Mxa0d
— 𝘾𝙃𝙍𝙄𝙎 ⚡ (@FPL_FC) January 9, 2021
@EFC_TR: THIS IS A PUBLIC STATEMENT FROM TURKISH EVERTONIAN TO EVERTON FANS WORLDWIDE. We know our player Cenk Tosun did the sign that called “Grey Wolves”. We want to inform you wolves is a part of the Turkish history. We think Cenk did the sign because he loves his country
@EFC_TR: We don’t think Cenk did the sign for politics or something like that. Also this is football. There is no room for politics at football. We want to say again, “Wolves” is part of the Turkish history and it is a part of Turkish epics. That’s all. Thank you for your understanding.
@EFC_TR: The sign is not connected with the party MHP or any parties. It comes from the believing that first Turk in the Earth was raised by wolves. So it is a historical sign of Turks not the sign of the fascist groups. ++
@EFC_TR: Parties or groups can make signs whatever they want. So this doesen’t mean the sign is fascist. If robbers wear black clothes is that mean everyone who wears black clothes are robbers? Of course not. Situation about the sign is just like that.
@McfcDylan2019: Isn’t an automatic ultra right winged facist movement lmao
@KnowCellar: Look up the grey wolves in turkey. That’s exactly their signal, it’s kinda unique, would be a huge coincidence for a Turkish player to do that and mean something else
@CFCTom_4: That’s a Spider-Man impression
@CarIoMagnifico: I don’t know the full story behind that Tosun celebration but it seems like something he shouldn’t be doing…
@nocontextEFC: Not arsed how much it costs, get him out @Everton.
@ShayzeLong: Are we not allowing @Everton and/or @CenkTosun_ an opportunity to explain? Or are we just using Twitter to formulate our beliefs?
@AzulBoz: Played his last game anyway hopefully
@tjp1989: Wayne Hennessey energy from Cenk
@JohnMacEFC: All the outrage over Tosun’s goal celebration. I’m just happy he got to celebrate a fucking goal to be honest. It’s been a while
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