UEFA Sanctions Turkish Player Merih Demiral
Turkish defender Merih Demiral will miss the crucial Euro 2024 quarter-final match against the Netherlands due to a two-match suspension imposed by UEFA. The suspension comes after Demiral made a far-right symbol, the 'Gray Wolf salute,' during his goal celebration in the round of 16 match against Austria. UEFA's Disciplinary Committee stated that Demiral was suspended 'for not complying with the general principles of conduct, for using sporting events for non-sporting events and for discrediting football.'
Diplomatic Tensions Escalate Over Demiral's Gesture
The incident has sparked significant diplomatic tensions between Turkey and Germany. The German government summoned the Turkish ambassador to Berlin, and in response, Turkey summoned the German ambassador to Ankara. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan defended Demiral, stating that the gesture was an expression of Turkish identity and emotion. The Turkish Foreign Ministry criticized UEFA's decision, calling it 'scandalous' and claiming it reflects a growing prejudice against foreigners in some European countries.
UEFA Fines Jude Bellingham for Indecent Gesture
In a separate incident, UEFA fined English midfielder Jude Bellingham 30,000 euros for making an indecent gesture during his goal celebration in the round of 16 match against Slovakia. Bellingham pointed to his crotch after scoring the equalizer in stoppage time. While Bellingham received a one-match suspension for 'violating the basic rules of decent conduct,' the suspension is not immediately enforceable and is subject to a one-year trial period. Therefore, Bellingham will be available for England's quarter-final match against Switzerland.
