EM 2024: Uefa suspends Turkey star Demiral after wolf salute celebration

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The Uefa cracks down!

Turkey professional Merih Demiral (26) will be suspended for two Euro matches, missing the quarterfinal against the Netherlands in Berlin (Saturday, 9 pm/RTL, Magenta and here in the BILD live ticker) and a possible semifinal.

Çok güzel! The total Turkey ecstasy

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Çok güzel!: Die Türkei-Sensation im Video

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The greeting is a hand gesture and symbol of the 'Grey Wolves,' a far-right extremist movement. The organization has been under observation by the German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution for years.

The Turkish association stated Thursday evening that it has not yet been informed of the UEFA decision. However, there is a defense deadline until Friday morning to be able to present arguments against a suspension.

Demiral had not shown any remorse after his celebration. The defender in response to BILD's inquiry: 'How I celebrated has something to do with my Turkish identity. I saw people in the stadium who also made this gesture.'

During the European Championship, political messages are prohibited - in the stands and also on the pitch. Demiral is now suspended.

The UEFA is thus pursuing a consistent line. Albania's Arlind Daku (26) has been suspended by the association for two international matches. The striker incited his own fans with nationalist chants after the second group stage match against Croatia (2:2) – and even sang such chants himself. This behavior was firmly penalized by the football association.

**In an official statement, it was said: 'The player did not adhere to the general principles of behavior, violated the basic rules of decent behavior, used sports events for unsportsmanlike remarks, and brought disgrace to the sport of football.' Similar now applies to Demiral.

Dieser Jubel wird teuer für England-Star Bellingham

This jubilation will be expensive for England star Bellingham

There is also a penalty for England professional Jude Bellingham (21)!

The Real star celebrated with an obscene gesture, grabbing his crotch with spread fingers. Unlike Demiral, Bellingham will not be suspended. The former Dortmund player receives a fine, must pay at least 20,000 euros.

Summary
Turkey's player Merih Demiral has been suspended for two Euro 2020 matches for making a hand gesture associated with a far-right extremist group. The Turkish Football Association is yet to respond to the UEFA's decision. Political messages are prohibited during the tournament, leading to Demiral's suspension. The UEFA has taken a strict stance on such behavior, as seen in the case of Albania's Arlind Daku. England's Jude Bellingham also received a fine for making an obscene gesture during a celebration, but he was not suspended.