Merih Demiral leads Turkey into Euro 2024 quarter-finals with two goals, sparking scandal. UEFA reviewing incident
Merih Demiral was the big number with two goals in the round of 16 of the European Championship against Austria. He secured Turkey's qualification to the quarter-finals and was later named the best player of the game.
But with his celebratory gesture after the second goal, he caused a scandal that could have repercussions for the 26-year-old. Demiral made a so-called “wolf salute” with his hands, a symbol of the far-right and ultra-nationalist Grey Wolves group in Turkey.
The way I celebrated had to do with my Turkish identity. I just wanted to show how happy and proud I was.
Supporters of the far-right Ulkucu Movement, which is monitored by Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, are called the “Grey Wolves.” Demiral justified his controversial celebratory gesture with national pride, saying: “The way I celebrated has to do with my Turkish identity.”
People in the stadium saw the same hand gestures. “That’s why I did this gesture. There was no hidden message behind it,” said the 26-year-old. “We are all Turks, and I am very proud to be Turkish, and that’s what this gesture means. I just wanted to show how happy and proud I am,” said Demiral. He hopes there will be “more opportunities to show this gesture.”
UEFA begins investigation
It remains unclear whether he will be allowed to make the gesture again and whether there will be any consequences for him. However, UEFA announced on Wednesday that it had opened an investigation. The association justified this by citing Demiral's “suspected inappropriate behaviour”. UEFA will release more information “in due course”.
Austrian fans also attract negative attention.
Even before the round of 16 match, Austrian fans in Leipzig caused a racist scandal. To the tune of a popular song, they sang “Germany for Germans, foreigners out.”
We need to move away from right-wing ideas and realize how important it is for us all to be equal.
After the European Championship exit, national player Michael Gregoritsch spoke out clearly against right-wing ideas. “The message throughout Austria and Europe is that you should not deal with discrimination and right-wing ideas, but rather be united, proud and happy,” said the Freiburg striker. “We have to move far away from the right. Think and know how important it is that we are all equal.”
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