UEFA investigating Turkish goal celebration by Demiral
Turkey defender Merih Demiral is under investigation by UEFA for making an ultra-nationalist salute during a win over Austria.
The 26-year-old scored two goals to help Turkey beat Austria 2-1 and book a place in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Euros against the Netherlands.
The Al Ahly defender celebrated his second goal with a "wolf salute", a gesture associated with the Grey Wolves, a far-right group linked to Turkey's ruling National Movement coalition party.
Demiral said the salute, which is banned in Austria and France, was planned in case he scored a goal.
"I had a goal celebration in mind, so I did it," Demiral said. "I'm very proud to be Turkish, so after the goal I was very emotional, I wanted to do it and I'm very happy."
Demiral posted a photo of the celebration on his X account with the caption "How happy is it for people who say
I'm Turkish!"
UEFA has opened an investigation into Demiral's "alleged inappropriate conduct" under Article 31.4.
If found guilty, Demiral could be fined or suspended as Turkey prepares to face the Netherlands in the quarter-finals at 8pm BST on Saturday.
England midfielder Jude Bellingham is under investigation for a gesture made during Sunday's round of 16 win over Slovakia.
Bellingham was seen making a groin-grabbing gesture towards the Slovakia bench after taking an overhead kick in added time.
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