Salt Bae, the celebrity chef who shot to fame for his flamboyant steak-salting technique, has denied being turned away from a Champions League party following PSG's over Inter Milan. The Turkish butcher and restaurateur, whose real name is Nusret Gokce, became an and subsequently attracted footballing icons like and to his eateries.

Despite his popularity and the array of stars eager to experience his signature salt sprinkle, the 41-year-old's career has not been without controversy. The latest incident occurred at a post-match celebration for Europe's biggest football match. A social media video depicted Gokce and a companion being firmly guided away by security after allegedly attempting to gain entry to a Champions League-related event on Saturday night.

There were also reported altercations involving Gokce's security detail and the venue staff, who requested to see their invitation card. However, the renowned chef has disputed this version of events.

"After the Champions League final match, we came to the hotel with the UEFA bus," he said, according to . "The reason we were there at that moment was the thousands of fans who wanted to see us there.

"As always, I was in that area to reciprocate their love and have my photo taken. While I was waiting for my car to go to my hotel due to the intensity, I was directed by Mr. Dormen with my back turned in front of the door.

"There was no organisation, such as an invitation or a party in any way, so all the news that I was not admitted to the party is unfounded."

He added: "I want it to be known that we are happy to go wherever we are called with love, never to be taken anywhere. Don't worry about such small things, the rest is artificial intelligence."

The last time Salt Bae was in the limelight was at the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar. There, he drew the anger of many fans when he walked onto the pitch following the game to join Argentina in their celebrations after they defeated France.

Without being part of the delegation or having any official role, he handled the iconic trophy and awkwardly posed with several players, including Lionel Messi.

Salt Bae's antics were widely slammed on social media. FIFA later admitted that the award protocol had been violated since only a restricted group of authorised people can touch football's most coveted trophy.

Gokce's relationship with football stretches back to the 2018 Champions League, where he also posed with Sergio Ramos after Real Madrid's victory over He also attended the 2023 final between and Inter Milan.