Turkey's Merih Demiral under UEFA investigation for gesture during goal celebration
- Planet Sport writer
- 3 July 2024
Turkey's Euro 2024 last-16 matchwinner Merih Demiral is at the centre of a probe by UEFA for allegedly making a provocative political gesture as he celebrated one of his two goals in his country's victory over Austria.
Demiral scored twice as Turkey beat Austria 2-1 in an entertaining encounter in Leipzig, both following corners from teenage star Arda Guler.
UEFA issued a statement on Wednesday morning confirming an ethics and disciplinary investigator had been appointed in accordance with Article 31 (4) of its disciplinary regulations to look into "alleged inappropriate behaviour".
UEFA is understood to be investigating whether Demiral gave a so-called 'wolf's salute', a gesture linked to the Turkish nationalist movement.
Demiral, who plays for Saudi club Al Ahli, opened the scoring in the first minute and added a second just before the hour mark.
Michael Gregoritsch pulled one back for Austria and they almost forced extra-time but for a wonderful save from Turkey goalkeeper Mert Gunok.
England midfielder Jude Bellingham is also being investigated by UEFA over a gesture he made after scoring a late equaliser against Slovakia.
The Real Madrid star appeared to gesture toward the Slovakian bench after his overhead kick brought England level in the dying seconds of injury time in Gelsenkirchen.
UEFA released a statement on Monday which said: "A UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct by the English Football Association player, Jude Bellingham, having allegedly occurred in the scope of this match.
"Information on this matter will be made available in due course."
