UEFA initiating investigation into Turkey's Demiral for goal celebration

Turkey's Merih Demiral, a defender, is currently being investigated by UEFA due to his alleged ultra-nationalist salute during his team's triumph against Austria, SSP reported. The 26-year-old player scored two goals, securing Turkey's spot in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals against the Netherlands with a thrilling 2-1 victory.

During his goal celebration, Demiral performed a "wolf salute," a gesture associated with the far-right extremist organization Grey Wolves, which maintains connections with Turkey's ruling coalition party, the National Movement Party. Notably, this salute is banned in both Austria and France.

According to Demiral, the salute was a pre-planned act if he scored. He explained, "I had a goal celebration in mind, which I did. I feel a deep sense of pride in being a Turk, and after scoring the goal, I wanted to express that. I am thrilled to have done so."

Following his celebration, Demiral posted a photograph of the event on his social media account, with the caption: "How happy is the one who says I am a Turk!"

UEFA has initiated an investigation into Demiral's conduct under the provision of Article 31(4), which is related to the "alleged inappropriate behavior." A potential outcome may include a fine or suspension for Demiral, who is expected to face the Netherlands in the upcoming quarter-final match on Saturday at 8 pm BST.

In a separate incident, England midfielder Jude Bellingham is also under investigation for a gesture directed towards the Slovakian bench after scoring an overhead kick during the last-16 win against Slovakia on Sunday.