The European football governing body (UEFA) has opened an investigation against Turkish defender Merih Demiral due to "potential inappropriate behavior" during the quarter-final match of the European Championship against Austria (2-1), it was reported on Wednesday. Demiral scored both goals for his country on Tuesday in Leipzig, leading them to the quarter-finals, where they will face the Netherlands on Saturday at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin.
Demiral himself posted a picture on the platform "X," celebrating one of his goals against Austria, raising his hand in a gesture associated with the "Grey Wolves," a far-right group in Turkey.
UEFA stated in a statement that an "investigator has been appointed to address ethical and disciplinary matters," with further information to follow on the issue.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser reacted to Demiral's gesture with a post on "X," stating that "the symbols of Turkish right-wing extremists have no place in our stadiums," adding: "Using European football as a platform for racism is completely unacceptable. We expect UEFA to investigate the case and consider sanctions."
