Turkish Footballer Risks Expulsion from Euro 2024 for 'Grey Wolves' Gesture

Merih Demiral, a player for the Turkish national football team, has stirred controversy during the European Championship by making a gesture associated with the ultranationalist "Grey Wolves" group after scoring against Austria. In Turkey, the interests of the "Grey Wolves" are represented by the far-right nationalist movement, which is not banned in Germany, although it is monitored by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution.

The match took place yesterday, July 2, at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany. The Turkish national team won with a score of 2-1, with defender Merih Demiral scoring both goals. He used the nationalist gesture while celebrating his goals.

Demiral found the back of the net just 57 seconds into the match, marking the fastest goal in the history of European Championship playoffs. He scored again in the 59th minute. Consequently, Turkey emerged victorious with a 2-1 score, advancing to the Euro 2024 semifinals, where they will face the Netherlands in Berlin on July 6. Demiral explained his "Grey Wolves" gesture as a celebration of victory and pride for his country.