Uefa launch probe into Merih Demiral’s ‘banned gesture’ after Turkey reached Euro 2024 quarter-final
UEFA have launched an investigation into alleged "inappropriate behaviour" by Turkey's Merih Demiral.
Demiral was his nations hero as he netted two goals in their 2-1 win over Austria to book them a spot in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.
But the 26-year-old's celebration has prompted an investigation by Uefa.
And it means he could face a potential suspension by the organisation.
It comes after Demiral appeared to perform a "Wolf's Salute", a gesture associated with the Grey Wolves group, a far-right extremist group in Turkey.
A Uefa statement said: "Match: 2024 UEFA EURO Round of 16 match between Austria and Türkiye played on 2 July 2024 in Leipzig, Germany.
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"In relation to the 2024 UEFA European Championship Round of 16 match between Austria and Türkiye played on 2 July 2024 in Leipzig, Germany, an investigation has been opened in accordance with Article 31(4) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations in relation to the alleged inappropriate behaviour of the Turkish Football Federation player, Merih Demiral."
The Grey Wolves, officially called Ulku Ocaklari, is the youth movement of the Nationalist Movement Party which is in coalition with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party.
Supporters of the group are considered extremists by Germany's Constitutional Protection Agency, as well as the European Union and United States of America.
The gesture Demiral is accused of making is banned in France and Austria, while performing the gesture can result in a fine of up to €4,000 (£3,390).
Al-Ahli star Demiral explained why he performed the gesture after when questioned after the match.
He said: "I had a specific celebration in mind, something connected to my Turkish identity. I am incredibly proud to be Turkish, and I felt that pride deeply after scoring.
"I wanted to express that, and I’m very happy I did. Our fans are proud of us. I saw them doing the gesture in the stands, and it made me want to do it even more. I am very happy."
Uefa have also recently launched an investigation into England star Jude Bellingham for an alleged crotch-grabbing celebration he made after scoring in the Three Lions 2-1 win over Slovakia on Sunday.
