Euro 2024 star faces investigation over alleged 'extremist gesture' in goal celebration

Turkey star Merih Demiral has found himself in the midst of a UEFA investigation following an alleged extremist gesture he made during his team's triumphant Euro 2024 clash against Austria.

The central defender scored twice to secure Turkey's place in the quarter-finals . He netted the fastest knockout goal in Euros history less than a minute into the game, and then doubled his tally just as the hour mark approached.

However, controversy followed when he was allegedly seen making what's known as the "wolf salute," upon celebrating his second goal. The gesture is linked to the Grey Wolves, a far-right extremist group closely connected to the political sphere through Turkey's Nationalist Movement Party (MHP).

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In Germany, Constitutional Protection Agency regards supporters of the Grey Wolves as extremists. The gesture has also been banned in Austria since 2019 after the Austrian parliament passed a law preventing symbols of “extremist organizations” to prevent terror propaganda.

A UEFA statement read: "Match: 2024 UEFA EURO Round of 16 match between Austria and Turkiye played on 2 July 2024 in Leipzig, Germany."An investigation has been opened in relation to the 2024 UEFA European Championship Round of 16 match between Austria and Turkiye played on 2 July 2024 in Leipzig, Germany, concerning the Turkish Football Federation player, Merih Demiral's supposed inappropriate conduct according to Article 31(4) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations. "

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After scoring, Demiral revealed the special reason behind his celebration: "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. "He added: "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."

Yet, UEFA's Safety and Security regulations clearly state that: "The promotion or announcement, by any means, of political messages or of any other political actions inside or in the immediate vicinity of the stadium is strictly prohibited before, during and after the match."