Euro 2024: UEFA bans Demiral for Netherlands clash after controversial celebration
Turkey Euro 2024 Round of 16 hero Merih Demiral will not feature in the Quarterfinal clash at the Netherlands after UEFA released a two-match pan for his controversial celebration of the victory against Austria.
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Demiral’s gesture after the brace against Austria
The Turkish defender scored a brace to advance his side to the Euro 2024 quarterfinals. He is set to play against the Netherlands this weekend.
However, Demiral’s ‘wolf’ salute was under investigation from the UEFA since it is associated with the right-wing extremist nationalist group Grey Wolves and is banned in Austria.
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According to German outlet Bild, UEFA decided to ban Demiral for the next two games. This means that even if Turkey beats the Dutch, Demiral will not be part of his side in the semi-final.
The 26-year-old defender’s gesture is considered to have apparent far-right connotations and was expected to be in line for disciplinary action.
A Uefa statement read: “An investigation has been opened in accordance with Article 31(4) of the Uefa Disciplinary Regulations in relation to the alleged inappropriate behaviour of the Turkish Football Federation player, Merih Demiral. Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course.”
Speaking after the game, Demiral defended using the gesture, in which both hands are made to resemble wolves with pointed noses and ears. “I had a specific celebration in mind, something connected to my Turkish identity,” he said. “I am incredibly proud to be Turkish, and I felt that pride deeply after scoring. I wanted to express that, and I’m very happy I did.” Demiral explained that he saw supporters making the gesture in the stands and wanted to join them. If that is borne out, Uefa may also probe the fans’ conduct.
UEFA used to fine players in previous Euro
The sign is not banned in Germany, although there has been a long-running discussion among politicians from both left and right-learning parties around making it illegal. The country’s interior minister, Nancy Faeser, condemned Demiral’s actions in a post on X.
“The symbols of Turkish right-wing extremists have no place in our stadiums,” she wrote. “Using the European football championship as a platform for racism is completely unacceptable. We expect Uefa to investigate the case and consider sanctions.” Faeser added that the Grey Wolves group is under surveillance by Germany’s domestic intelligence service.
Uefa’s options include a ban and or a fine. There is some precedent for the latter: in 2018, Fifa fined the Switzerland pair Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri for making Albanian “eagle” gestures during a World Cup match against Serbia
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