UEFA opens investigation into Turkish player Merih Demiral after controversial celebration in Austria match

The image has been circulating on social media. Turkish player Merih Demiral raising his arms, his hands closed with his index and little fingers raised, to celebrate his two goals against Austria in the round of 16 of the Euro, on Tuesday 2 July. This sign, made of ears, is that of the “Grey Wolves”, a group of the Turkish far right. For this gesture, UEFA announced on Wednesday 3 July that it was opening an investigation into the “potential inappropriate behavior” of the Turkish defender.

Merih Demiral himself posted a photo of himself performing the sign on his X account. “ethics and disciplinary investigator” has been appointed and further information on the matter will follow, UEFA said in its statement.. “The symbol of Turkish right-wing extremists has no place in our stadiums, reacted on X Nancy Faeser, the German Minister of the Interior. “Using the Euro football championship as a platform for racism is totally unacceptable. We expect UEFA to investigate the case and consider sanctions.”