Turkey’s Euro 2024 hero Merih Demiral facing BAN for ‘prohibited gesture’ after knocking Austria out of tournament
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, in which he raised the index and little finger of each hand above his head, has prompted an investigation by Uefa.
And it means he could face a potential suspension for the quarter-final.
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.
The gesture caused outrage among Austrian fans as it is BANNED in that country and France – although not in Germany – as an act supporting terrorism.
A Uefa statement said: “Match: 2024 UEFA EURO Round of 16 match between Austria and Türkiye played on 2 July 2024 in Leipzig, Germany.
”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.
The paramilitary group have been accused of murders of minority Kurds, Armenians, Greeks, and Assyrians.
Supporters of the group are considered extremists by Germany’s Constitutional Protection Agency, as well as the European Union and United States of America.
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.”
Demiral also posted a picture of his celebration with the slogan “How happy is the one who says I am a Turk!”
That was originally said by Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, but has taken on a more sinister meaning since being appropriated by right-wing and nationalist extremists.
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.
A two-game ban was handed out to Albania’s megaphone man Mirlind Daku after he was found guilty of inciting supporters to chant nationalist songs that denigrated Serbia.
The Serbian FA were so angry that they threatened to QUIT the tournament if Uefa did not take action, prompting a full enquiry.
