Turkey players do the salute celebration after goal against France (PHOTOS)

Turkish footballers celebrated their goal in a 1-1 draw against world champions France with a military salute to soldiers fighting in northeast Syria, raising the risk of a UEFA investigation after a similar gesture three days ago.

The European football’s ruling body has already said it would examine reports that Turkey footballers performed a military salute in their Euro 2020 qualifier against Albania.

Olivier Giroud scored for France in the 75th minute of Monday night’s match before Kaan Ayhan equalized for Turkey six minutes later. His teammates then lined up in front of the away supporters and saluted.

Turkey’s veteran coach Senol Gunes defended the team’s action, saying it was a gesture of respect for the armed forces rather than a political statement or agitation.