UEFA Bans Turkey's Merih Demiral for Two Matches Over Controversial Gesture at Euro 2024, Missing Quarter-Final

Jul 5, 2024, 11:08 AM

UEFA has handed Turkey's Merih Demiral a two-match suspension for violating the basic rules of decent conduct, using sports events for manifestations of a non-sporting nature, and bringing the sport of football into disrepute. The ban follows Demiral's controversial 'Wolf Salute' goal celebration at Euro 2024, which has been interpreted as an ultra-nationalist Grey Wolves salute. As a result, Demiral will miss the quarter-final against the Netherlands and a potential semi-final. This incident has also sparked a diplomatic row between Turkey and the host nation, Germany. Demiral is the second player banned for offensive nationalist speech or symbols at the Euro, highlighting a worrying trend.