Turkish defender Merih Demiral is under scrutiny from UEFA after making a gesture with alleged far-right connotations during Turkey’s Euro 2024 match against Austria. The incident has sparked debate and drawn criticism, casting a shadow over Turkey’s advancement in the tournament.
Merih Demiral's "wolf" salute at Euro 2024 under UEFA investigation for potential far-right connotations, raising questions about political gestures in football.
Demiral’s “wolf” salute, performed after scoring in Turkey’s 2-1 victory over Austria which secured their Euro 2024 quarterfinal spot, is at the heart of the UEFA investigation. This hand gesture is commonly associated with the Gray Wolves, a Turkish far-right nationalist group. The gesture itself is legally problematic in Austria, where it can result in substantial fines, and the Gray Wolves are banned in France, highlighting the sensitive political baggage attached to the symbol.
UEFA has officially announced an investigation into Demiral’s behavior, citing Article 31(4) of their Disciplinary Regulations. The organization stated that they are looking into “alleged inappropriate behavior” and will release further information as the investigation progresses. Potential sanctions from UEFA could range from fines to suspension, reminiscent of FIFA’s actions in 2018 when Swiss players were penalized for similar gestures during a World Cup match. It’s also worth noting that in 2019, Demiral was among Turkish players previously reprimanded for military-style salutes during international games, amidst Turkey’s military actions in Syria, indicating a pattern of politically charged gestures within the Turkish national team.
Following the Euro 2024 match, Demiral defended his gesture, asserting it was a normal expression of Turkish identity and national pride. He stated, “It has to do with this Turkish identity, because I’m very proud to be a Turk. And I felt that to the fullest after the second goal. So that’s how I ended up doing that gesture.” He further mentioned seeing fans in the stadium making the same sign, reinforcing his feeling of connection and nationalistic expression in the moment.
Despite the gesture not being explicitly banned in Germany, the host nation of Euro 2024, it has provoked strong reactions. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser publicly condemned Demiral’s salute. In a statement on social media, Faeser emphasized that “symbols of Turkish right-wing extremists have no place in our stadiums” and labeled the use of Euro 2024 for “racism” as “completely unacceptable.” She urged UEFA to investigate and consider sanctions. Faeser also noted that the Gray Wolves are under surveillance by German authorities, underscoring the seriousness of the gesture’s political implications within Germany.
The German government’s strong stance led to diplomatic repercussions, with Turkey summoning the German ambassador in protest. This diplomatic tension highlights the broader political sensitivity surrounding nationalist symbols and gestures within international sporting events like Euro 2024, particularly when involving countries with complex political landscapes. The outcome of the UEFA investigation and its potential impact on Demiral and the Turkish team are keenly awaited as Turkey progresses further in Euro 2024.
