UEFA investigates Turkey player Merih Demiral for celebrating a goal with a nationalist gesture

UEFA has launched an investigation into Turkey soccer player Merih Demiral's "alleged inappropriate behavior" after he celebrated a goal at Euro 2024 by displaying a hand sign associated with an ultra-nationalist group.

Demiral scored both goals Tuesday in a 2-1 win over Austria to earn a place in the quarterfinals.

After scoring the second goal he appeared to make a sign with each hand that is associated with the Turkish ultra-nationalist organization Ulku Ocaklari, which is more widely known as the Gray Wolves.

UEFA confirmed Wednesday that it had appointed an inspector to investigate Demiral. It didn't outline when the case might conclude. Turkey's next game is against the Netherlands in Berlin on Saturday.

Demiral was previously one of 16 Turkey players reprimanded in 2019 for making military-style salutes at games at a time when the country was...