Turkey's Merih Demiral and 8 of the Most Controversial Celebrations in Football History

• UEFA have opened a probe into Turkey defender, Merih Demiral, for celebrating a goal in the team's 2-1 win against Austria
• Celebrations aren't always joyous expressions and some players use them to respond to criticism or promote political views
• Sports Brief takes a look at eight of the most controversial celebrations that cost a player far more than just a yellow card

UEFA has initiated an investigation into Turkey's Merih Demiral following his celebrations in their 2-1 victory over Austria at the European Championship.

Demiral, who scored twice on Tuesday night to secure Turkey's spot in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, raised his index and little fingers above his head in celebration, prompting the European governing body to investigate.

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If found guilty, the 26-year-old defender could miss the quarter-final match against the Netherlands.

In light of this, Sports Brief revisits eight other controversial goal celebrations from football history.

Controversial celebrations in football

That Adebayor 'run'

Emmanuel Adebayor etched his name into Premier League history with one of the most infamous celebrations since the league's inception in 1992.

For Arsenal fans, he became public enemy number one.

His move to Manchester City in the summer of 2009 had already tarnished his reputation among the Gooners, but sprinting the length of the pitch to perform a knee slide in front of them after scoring was the final nail in the coffin.

Gazza and the dentist's chair

Before Euro 1996, some England players took a morale-boosting trip to Hong Kong, which turned into a drinking spree.

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Paul Gascoigne’s teammates strapped him into a dentist's chair and poured alcohol down his throat. Gazza mimicked this after scoring a brilliant goal against Scotland in the group stages.

The Luis Suarez flop

In 2012, during a Merseyside derby, Liverpool's Luis Suarez responded to Everton manager, David Moyes' accusations of diving by performing a dive after scoring.

Moyes, who was not amused, sarcastically claimed he would have done the same had Everton scored another goal.

Robbie Fowler crosses the (white) line

Liverpool's Robbie Fowler pretended to snort the goal line after scoring against Everton in response to fans’ hard drug jibes.

Manager, Gerard Houllier's defence that Fowler was imitating a cow was met with widespread disbelief.

Diego Maradona's intense stare

Diego Maradona's last FIFA World Cup moment in 1994 was marked by a wild, drug-fueled celebration after scoring against Greece.

His manic eyes glaring into the camera led to a positive drug test for ephedrine and his subsequent expulsion from the tournament.

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Sam Clucas' suggestive gesture

After scoring twice in Swansea City's 3-1 win over Arsenal, Sam Clucas celebrated by mimicking the logo of an adult website, SLB.

The gesture, deemed inappropriate, led to a public apology from Clucas.

Nicklas Bendtner and the bookies

At Euro 2012, Nicklas Bendtner unveiled Paddy Power-branded underwear after scoring against Portugal, violating FIFA and UEFA's sponsorship rules, per the Telegraph.

He received an £80,000 fine and a one-match ban.

Mick McCarthy’s retort

Ipswich Town manager, Mick McCarthy responded to fans’ criticism of his tactics by defiantly celebrating a goal against rivals, Norwich City, and shouting at the crowd.

Nicolas Anelka’s quenelle

Nicolas Anelka performed the controversial quenelle gesture after scoring for West Bromwich Albion in 2013, per the Guardian.

The gesture, created by his friend, Dieudonné M'bala M'bala, has been linked to anti-Semitic sentiments, leading to widespread condemnation and a five-match ban for Anelka.

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Turkey summon German envoy over Demiral's gesture

Sports Brief also reported that Turkey summoned Germany's ambassador over a row that erupted due to defender, Demiral, making an alleged ultra-nationalist gesture.

The motion that he made to the crowd after scoring his second goal of the game in the 2-1 victory, is associated with Turkish ultra-nationalist group called 'Grey Wolves'.