Turkey's hero in the European Championship round of 16 against Austria, Merih Demiral, celebrated his second goal in the match with a gesture that can be linked to the right-wing extremist Grey Wolves.
For me, the gesture is about my Turkish heritage, says the 26-year-old at a press conference.
Demiral is now being investigated by Uefa.
Merih Demiral scored both of Turkey's goals in the 2-1 win in the round of 16 against Austria. After his second goal, the centre-back clasped his thumb, index finger, and ring finger, while pointing with his little finger and index finger upwards – a gesture often associated with the Grey Wolves.
On Wednesday morning, Uefa confirms that an investigation has been launched following "alleged improper conduct" by Demiral.
Proud and happy
Demiral has received harsh criticism for his celebration, including the German newspaper Bild, which calls it a scandal. On the social media platform X, Demiral has posted a picture of the celebration with the text:
"Happy is the one who says he is Turkish".
At the post-match press conference, the Al-Ahli player explained that there was no special message behind the gesture.
I'm very happy to have scored two goals. I had a celebration in mind, and that's what I did. It has to do with Turkish identity, because I'm very proud to be Turkish, and I felt it fully after the second goal, says Demiral and continues:
So then I made that gesture. I'm very happy that I did it, and all our fans and supporters are proud of us. I saw people in the stands making that gesture, so it reminded me that I had it in mind, so I'm happy that I did it.
Banned in Austria
The Grey Wolves are described as a right-wing extremist, Islamist organization and have been accused of terrorism and murder, both in Turkey and in Europe. The gesture is banned in France and Austria. The latter, of course, were the opponents in the match.
