UEFA Investigates Turkey's Demiral for Goal Celebration Gesture
UEFA has initiated an investigation into Turkey defender Merih Demiral following his goal celebration during Turkey's recent victory over Austria. The incident in question involved Demiral allegedly making a 'wolf salute', a gesture associated with the far-right extremist group Grey Wolves, during the match.
The 26-year-old Al-Ahli defender scored twice, securing Turkey's spot in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals where they will face the Netherlands with a 2-1 win against Austria.
Demiral defended his actions, stating that the salute was pre-planned in case he scored: "I had a goal celebration in mind, which I did. I am very proud because I am a Turk, therefore after the goal I felt it deeply and I wanted to do it, and I am very happy about doing it."
He further shared a photo of the celebration on his social media account with the caption: "How happy is the one who says I am a Turk!"
In response to the incident, UEFA has opened an investigation under Article 31(4) concerning the "alleged inappropriate behavior" of Demiral. If found guilty, Demiral could face a fine or suspension ahead of Turkey's upcoming quarter-final match against the Netherlands on Saturday at 8pm BST.
Meanwhile, England midfielder Jude Bellingham is also under investigation for a gesture he made during England's last-16 win against Slovakia. Bellingham was seen making a crotch-grabbing gesture towards the Slovakian bench after scoring an overhead kick in stoppage time.
German interior minister Nancy Faeser condemned the use of such symbols in stadiums: "The symbols of Turkey's far-right extremists do not belong in our stadiums. The Euros should not be used to promote racism."
In defense of Demiral, National Movement Party chairman Devlet Bahceli criticized UEFA's investigation, stating: "The Grey Wolf sign made by our son Merih after hitting the net is the Turkish nation's message to the world."
He added: "UEFA's launch of an investigation in this context is both ill-intentioned and part of a chain of provocations that have gained dangerous ground in recent days."
