Euro 2024: Turkey Player Under Investigation for Goal Celebration

Footballer Merih Demiral, who scored both goals against Austria to advance Turkey to the Euro 2024 quarterfinals, is under investigation by UEFA for a celebration gesture linked to a far-right Turkish group.

By: Anna Ciao

07/04/2024 04:28

Euro 2024: Turkey Player Under Investigation for Goal Celebration — *Merih Demiral performs the so-called "wolf salute" after scoring against Austria.*

UEFA announced on Wednesday that they are investigating Turkish footballer Merih Demiral for "inappropriate behavior" during Turkey's Euro 2024 knockout match against Austria in Leipzig.

Following his goal in the match on Tuesday evening, the 26-year-old defender performed the wolf salute—a gesture associated with Turkey's far-right "Gray Wolves"—using both hands. Demiral scored twice during the game, putting his team ahead shortly after kickoff and adding a second goal just before the hour mark, with the controversial gesture accompanying his celebration after the second goal.

What the player said

Demiral defended his controversial celebration gesture, stating it was a reflection of his Turkish identity and national pride.

"The way I celebrated is related to my Turkish identity," Demiral explained during the post-match press conference. "That's why I made that gesture." He noted that he observed others in the stadium also making similar gestures.

Demiral, who was named player of the match, clarified that there was no hidden message behind his gesture. "We are all Turks, and I am very proud to be Turkish. That's the meaning of this gesture. I simply wanted to express my happiness and pride," he emphasized.

Looking ahead, Demiral expressed his hope for more opportunities to display the gesture. Turkey will face the Netherlands in Berlin on Saturday.

Why are people unhappy with the gesture?

The Gray Wolves, a paramilitary group, target non-Turkish ethnic minorities like Kurds, Greeks, and Armenians, often engaging in attacks and clashes with activists. Established in the late 1960s, the group gained prominence amid political violence in the late 1970s.

Before the round of 16 match, the Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) urged UEFA to prohibit the wolf salute in stadiums, citing its use by Turkish fans in previous games.

"This has occurred repeatedly and was broadcast live on television," said STP Middle East representative Kamal Sido. "UEFA should clearly oppose right-wing extremist symbols and enforce stadium bans on the wolf salute."

Sido acknowledged the celebration of the Turkish team's successes but emphasized that the wolf salute does not align with peaceful celebration and harms the majority of fans.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser criticized Demiral's goal celebration and called on UEFA to act.

"Symbols of Turkish right-wing extremists have no place in our stadiums," she asserted. "Using the Euros as a platform for racism is unacceptable. UEFA should investigate and consider sanctions."

Turkey's Foreign Ministry summoned the German ambassador to Ankara to protest Berlin's criticism of Demiral.

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Written by: Anna Ciao

Anna Ciao is a sports content contributor at Betimate. Born and raised in a rural village in China, I have had a passion for football and various sports such as basketball, volleyball, badminton, from a young age. Along with diligent studies, I achieved an IELTS score of 8.0 in the English language, and I have become a content contributor specializing in sports, particularly football, as I am today. I hope that my articles are helpful to readers.