Austria - Turkey - UEFA opens investigation into wolf salute cheer
The European Football Union UEFA has initiated an investigation against Turkish national player Merih Demiral following his goal celebration with the so-called Wolfsgruß. The UEFA stated that the 26-year-old's alleged inappropriate behaviour is under investigation. If Demiral is punished, consequences for the upcoming quarter-final against the Netherlands could follow.
Demiral formed the hand sign and symbol of the "Grey Wolves" with both hands after scoring his second goal in Leipzig during the 2:1 against Austria in the quarter-finals. The "Grey Wolves" are referred to as the supporters of the right-wing extremist "Ulkucu Movement" in Germany, which is monitored by the Constitutional Protection Agency. In Turkey, the ultranationalist MHP is their political representation and alliance partner of the Islamo-conservative AKP of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Demiral explained that it had to do with his "Turkish identity" in his celebration. Human rights activists strongly criticized the celebration. Turkey plays on Saturday in Berlin for a place in the EM semi-finals.
- Merih Demiral's goal celebration involving the Wolf greeting has attracted attention, with the Round of sixteen match against the Netherlands potentially impacted by any subsequent punishment.
- During the 2:1 victory against Austria in the Round of sixteen, Demiral performed the Wolf greeting, a gesture associated with the Grey Wolves, as part of his Goal celebration.
- The examination procedure initiated by UEFA due to Demiral's alleged inappropriate behaviour during his Goal celebration has sparked debate, particularly in light of the Grey Wolves' ties to right-wing extremist groups.
- As Turkey prepares for their EM match against Austria in Berlin, Merih Demiral's controversial Goal celebration remains a topic of discussion, with criticism coming from human rights activists and concern surrounding possible tournament repercussions.
- Germany, hosting the match between Turkey and Austria in the Round of sixteen of the European Football Championship (EM), will serve as the stage for the continuation of the investigation concerning Merih Demiral's Goal celebration and Wolf greeting.
- In Europe, the examination of Demiral's Goal celebration and its connection to the Grey Wolves has led to a wider discussion about the influence of political and ideological affiliations on soccer celebrations.
- Leipzig's Merih Demiral has found himself at the center of a UEFA investigation following his Goal celebration during the Round of sixteen match against Austria, with the potential consequences reaching as far as the EM semi-finals in Europe.
