Polish soccer star Patryk Klimala denies performing Nazi salute after scoring goal in Israeli match

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Israeli soccer star Patryk Klimala has denied he performed the Nazi salute after scoring a goal for his Hapoel Be’er Sheva club on Saturday. 

Playing against Hapoel Jerusalem in the Israeli Premier League, Klimala potted one in the 54th minute to make it a 2-0 lead for his club. 

But, during his goal celebration, Klimala looked up at the crowd, placed his right arm over his chest and then stuck it out straight and upward to the fans. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Patryk Klimala of New York Red Bulls claps to fans after winning the Decision Day Major League Soccer match against the Charlotte FC at Red Bull Arena on Oct. 9, 2022 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Ira L. Black - Corbis/Getty Images)

At first glance, it looked like the Nazi salute, which is frowned upon for obvious reasons. 

Klimala took to social media to clear that up.  

"My gesture during the goal celebration was completely misunderstood by some spectators. As a Pole, who respects the history of both countries, I would never even think about performing the Nazi salute," he wrote in English as well as Hebrew and Polish. "While living in Poland, I visited the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp and I fully realise the importance of history and Jewish heritage. 

2ND SEASON OF RYAN REYNOLD'S ‘WELCOME TO WREXHAM’ TO GET ITS STAR FINALE AFTER SPECTACULAR SOCCER WIN

"After my goal, I just wanted to greet our fans. There was surely nothing else beyond it. I'm sorry if anyone took it the wrong way. 

Patryk Klimala of New York Red Bulls after winning against the Charlotte FC at Red Bull Arena on Oct. 9, 2022 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Ira L. Black - Corbis/Getty Images)