UEFA have opened an investigation against the Turkish football player after he celebrated his second goal vs. Austria with the ultranationalist salute.
UEFA opened an investigation of “alleged inappropriate behaviour” by Merih Demiral, a day after the Turkish defender celebrated a goal at the European Championship with a hand gesture associated with the far-right group.
Demiral scored twice on July 2, lifting Turkey to the quarterfinals of the tournament with a 2-1 win over Austria. After he scored his second goal in the 59th minute, he pinched his fingers together. The gesture resembled the so-called “wolf salute,” a symbol of the Turkish group Grey Wolves banned in Austria.
Asked about the gesture following Tuesday’s match, Demiral said it was an innocuous expression of national pride.
