UEFA has opened an investigation into Turkish defender Merih Demiral for “possible improper conduct” during the European Cup quarter-final match against Austria (2-1).
Demiral scored both goals for his country in Leipzig to lead them to the quarter-finals, where they will face the Netherlands on Saturday at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin.
Demiral himself posted a photo of himself on the “X” website celebrating one of his goals against Austria, raising his hand in the “Grey Wolves” gesture of a far-right group in Turkey.
“An investigator has been appointed to look into ethics and disciplinary matters,” the European Union said in a statement, adding that more information on the matter would follow.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser responded to Demiral’s gesture in a post on the website X, saying that “the symbol of Turkish right-wing extremists has no place in our stadiums,” adding that “using European football as a platform for racism is absolutely unacceptable. We expect UEFA to investigate the case and consider sanctions.”
In response to the official German statement, Turkey later on Wednesday summoned the German ambassador, a diplomatic source told AFP.
Al-Ahli defender Demiral said he saw Turkish fans in the stands doing the gesture. “I just wanted to show how happy and proud I am,” Demiral said, adding that he hopes there will be “more opportunities to show this gesture.”
The player confirmed after the end of the match in Leipzig that there was no hidden message behind his move.
“The way I celebrated has to do with my Turkish identity,” Demiral added. “We are all Turks, and I am very proud to be from Turkey, and that is the meaning of this gesture.”
., and the latest political and economic developments via Google News