UEFA Disqualifies Turkish Footballer for Scandalous Gesture at Euro 2024
UEFA Suspends Turkish Player Merih Demiral for Two Matches
UEFA has made the decision to suspend Turkish national team player Merih Demiral for two matches. This suspension comes after the defender scored a brace in the 1/8 finals of Euro 2024 against Austria. Unfortunately, Demiral will now be unavailable to help his team in the upcoming quarterfinal match against the Netherlands, and potentially in the semifinals as well.
The reason for the suspension stems from a gesture that Demiral made while celebrating one of his team’s goals. The “bozkurt” sign, associated with the “Grey Wolves,” is considered a nationalist gesture and is banned in several European countries. However, the Turks view it as a historical and cultural symbol. In Germany, where the championship is being held, the sign is monitored by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution and is viewed with ambiguity.
Despite this decision by UEFA, the Turkish Football Federation has stated that the reports of Demiral’s suspension are false. They have until tomorrow morning to defend their case and dispute the ruling.
Merih Demiral, at 26 years old, made history as the first Turkish football player to score a brace at the Euro. He also holds the title for the fastest goal scored in the playoffs of the European Championships. His absence in the upcoming matches will certainly be felt by the Turkish national team as they continue their Euro 2024 campaign.
