UEFA Probes Turkish Player's Controversial Goal Celebration

UEFA has initiated an investigation into Turkish soccer player Merih Demiral following his goal celebration at Euro 2024, which featured a hand sign linked to the ultra-nationalist group Gray Wolves. Demiral's actions come amid Turkey's upcoming match against the Netherlands, and echo past controversies involving him and other Turkish players.

UEFA has formally launched an investigation into Turkish soccer player Merih Demiral's recent goal celebration at Euro 2024, which featured a contentious hand sign linked to the ultra-nationalist group Gray Wolves.

Tuesday's game saw Demiral scoring both goals in a 2-1 victory over Austria to secure a quarterfinal slot. Following his second goal, he appeared to make a hand sign affiliated with Ulku Ocaklari, commonly known as the Gray Wolves.

UEFA officials confirmed on Wednesday the appointment of an inspector to oversee the investigation. However, the timeline for concluding the case remains unspecified. Turkey's next fixture is against the Netherlands in Berlin on Saturday. Notably, Demiral was previously among 16 Turkish players reprimanded in 2019 for military-style salutes during games, coinciding with Turkey's military offensive in Syria.

The Gray Wolves originated as the youth division of the far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), which currently allies with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party. Allegations of politically driven violence against leftist factions have marred the group since its 1960s inception. The Gray Wolves have faced bans in France and Austria, the latter prohibiting the use of their salute altogether.

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