EURO 2024: UEFA Investigates Extremist Gesture by Turkey's Merih Demiral After Win Over Austria

UEFA announced on Wednesday that it is opening an investigation into "potential inappropriate behaviour" by Turkish defender Merih Demiral during Tuesday's 2-1 Euro last-16 win over Austria.

The Turkish defender is being investigated by UEFA's ethics and discipline inspector after he gave an ultranationalist salute during the celebration of his second goal against Austria. This is an extremist gesture that is banned in several European countries. 

Demiral scored twice as Turkey won the match 2-1; putting his team ahead in the first minute and then doubling their lead in the 59th minute when Michael Gregoric halved the deficit in the 66th minute.

Demiral, 26, celebrated his second goal by making a "wolf salute" with his hands, a gesture associated with the far-right extremist group Grey Wolves, which is affiliated with the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Turkey's ruling coalition party.

This gesture is illegal in Austria, and is punishable by a fine of up to €4,000 (£3,400; $4,300). Turkish nationalist hand signals are also banned in France.