Footballer condemned after Nazi salute

AEK Athens midfielder Giorgos Katidis has been condemned by politicians, fellow sports personalities and fans after giving a Nazi salute to celebrate a goal he scored in the Greek league.

Photographs show him giving the salute after scoring the go-ahead goal in the 84th minute over visiting Veria yesterday.

In one photo, Katidis’ Brazilian-born teammate Roger Guerreiro looks at him with an expression of astonishment.

Katidis, 20, pleaded ignorance of the meaning of his gesture – right arm extended and hand straightened – and claimed on his Twitter account that he detested fascism.

AEK’s German coach Ewald Lienen said the player did not have an “idea about politics”.