Turkey's Merih Demiral is under scrutiny from UEFA following his controversial goal celebration during Turkey's Euro 2024 match against Austria.
The 26-year-old defender scored twice, securing Turkey's spot in the quarter-finals against the Netherlands with a 2-1 victory over Austria.
Demiral's celebration included a 'wolf salute', associated with the far-right extremist group Grey Wolves, which is linked with Turkey's ruling coalition party, the National Movement Party. This gesture is banned in Austria and France.
In response to criticism, Demiral explained, "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 posted a photo of the celebration on his social media account with the caption: "How happy is the one who says I am a Turk!"
UEFA's investigation, under Article 31(4) for "alleged inappropriate behaviour," could lead to fines or suspension for Demiral, ahead of Turkey's quarter-final match against the Netherlands on Saturday at 8pm BST.
Meanwhile, England's Jude Bellingham is also under investigation for a gesture made during a match against Slovakia, adding to UEFA's scrutiny of player conduct during Euro 2024.
German interior minister Nancy Faeser condemned the use of such symbols in stadiums, stating, "The symbols of Turkey’s far-right extremists do not belong in our stadiums. The Euros should not be used to promote racism."
National Movement Party chairman Devlet Bahceli defended Demiral, calling the 'Grey Wolf' sign "the Turkish nation's message to the world." He criticized UEFA's investigation as "ill-intentioned" and part of recent provocations gaining dangerous ground.
The investigations into both Demiral and Bellingham highlight ongoing concerns about the appropriate conduct of players during major international tournaments.
