Merih Demiral gesture to be investigated by UEFA, German politician demands action

UEFA has opened an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour against Turkey defender Merih Demiral.

The centre-half scored twice as Vincenzo Montella’s side edged past Austria 2-1 in the round of 16 at Euro 2024 last night but his celebration after his second goal has sparked controversy.

Demiral is accused of making a ‘wolf salute’, a gesture associated with the far-right extremist group Grey Wolves, who are linked to Turkey’s ruling coalition National Movement Party.

After the game in Leipzig, the 26-year-old said: “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 later put a picture of himself making the gesture on social media.

🇹🇷 Ne mutlu Türküm diyene! pic.twitter.com/4K3kVPFxgW

— Merih Demiral (@Merihdemiral) July 2, 2024

Germany’s interior minister Nancy Faeser demanded action from UEFA. She quote-tweeted Demiral’s picture and said: “The symbols of Turkish right-wing extremists have no place in our stadiums. Using the European Championship as a platform for racism is completely unacceptable.

“We expect UEFA to investigate the case and consider action.

“Our security authorities are keeping a close eye on Turkish right-wing extremists in Germany. The ‘Grey Wolves’ are under observation by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution.”

UEFA have appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to look into the case.

Turkey are due to face the Netherlands on Saturday night in the last quarter-final tie.