The Turkish national player Merih Demiral shows the so-called wolf salute as a celebration during the European Championship round of 16. This causes criticism. UEFA reacts.
The European Football Union UEFA has launched an investigation into Turkish international Merih Demiral after his goal celebration with the so-called wolf salute. The investigation concerns alleged inappropriate behavior by the 26-year-old, UEFA announced. If Demiral is punished, he could face consequences for the upcoming quarter-final against the Netherlands.
After his second goal in Leipzig during the 2-1 win against Austria in the round of 16, Demiral formed the hand sign and symbol of the “Grey Wolves” with both hands. The “Grey Wolves” are the name given to the supporters of the right-wing extremist “Ülkücü movement”, which is monitored by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution in Germany. In Turkey, the ultra-nationalist MHP is their political representative and an ally of the Islamic-conservative AKP of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Demiral had explained that the way he celebrated had something to do with his “Turkish identity”. Human rights activists strongly criticized the celebrations. Turkey will play in Berlin on Saturday for a place in the semi-finals of the European Championship.
Source: Stern
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