Source: REUTERS/Leonhard Simon
[Saba Sports News] In a recent interview, German central defender Antonio Rudiger addressed the controversial gesture he made with his index finger extended in a European Championship makeup photo. He emphasized that his gesture did not carry any religious significance. Rudiger explained, “This photo was part of the official UEFA European Championship photo shoot. Dozens of players from various European teams posed in this manner. There are over 50 similar photos of players, some of which were taken at the request of UEFA photographers. I detailed my position on the related discussions in March, and my stance remains unchanged and will never alter.” Rudiger had previously posted a photo on social media welcoming the Ramadan season, which prompted journalist Julian Reichelt to allege that his gesture resembled a terrorist sign. Rudiger subsequently reported the journalist to Berlin prosecutors, and the prosecutor’s office filed a criminal complaint against Reichelt.