Cenk Tosun has denied suggestions that he made a far-right political gesture.
Tosun opened the scoring for Everton against struggling Championship outfit Rotherham United in Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie at Goodison Park.
He also scored what appeared to be a late winner for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, only for VAR to see the Turkey international’s effort ruled out for offside.
But Tosun’s celebration for the ultimately disallowed goal caused controversy.
It was alleged that he had made a hand gesture of the ‘Grey Wolves’, a far-right movement in the striker’s homeland, after wheeling away in celebration.
The organisation have been described as ‘ultranationalist’ and were banned by the French government last year amid claims of ‘extremely violent action’.
However the Blues confirmed after the game that they had spoken to the 29-year-old, who insisted that he did not make any references to the group.
Tosun told Goodison officials that he had simply been pointing skywards in thanks after meeting James Rodriguez’s free kick with a sliding finish.
Despite the chalked-off goal, Everton still reached the FA Cup fourth round courtesy of an extra-time strike from substitute Abdoulaye Doucoure.