Shock: Greek Soccer Player Gives Nazi Salute, Pleads Ignorance

(AP) AEK player in trouble over Nazi salute
ATHENS, Greece
AEK Athens midfielder Giorgos Katidis has earned rebukes from politicians, fellow athletes and fans after giving a Nazi salute in celebration of a goal he scored in the Greek league.

Photographs show him giving a Nazi salute after scoring the go-ahead goal in the 84th minute over visiting Veria on Saturday. In one photo, Katidis’ Brazilian-born teammate, Roger Guerreiro, looks at him with an expression of astonishment.

The 20-year-old Katidis pleaded ignorance of the meaning of his gesture–right arm extended and hand straightened. He claimed on his Twitter account that he detests fascism.

AEK’s German coach Ewald Lienen, said the player doesn’t have an “idea about politics.”