BREAKING: Merih Demiral suspended by UEFA for his gesture at EURO 2024 - Reports
Turkiye defender Merih Demiral has been suspended by UEFA for his gesture while celebrating their win over Austria in the EURO 2024 Round of 16 on July 2. According to a report from Bild, the 26-year-old will not play in the quarter-final clash against the Netherlands on July 6.
UEFA reacted to the defender's wolf salute gesture by reacting with the following statement (via Metro):
"In relation to the 2024 European Championship Round of 16 match between Austria and Türkiye played on 2 July 2024 in Leipzig, Germany, 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."
Demiral notably made a wolf salute while celebrating the second goal for his side. The gesture is also popularly associated with a far-right extremist group named the Grey Wolves, and it is banned in Austria.
Demiral spoke about the gesture, revealing that he had no qualms with celebrating with it (via Metro):
"I had a goal celebration in mind, which I did. I am very proud because I am a Turk, therefore after the goal I felt it deeply, and I wanted to do it, and I am very happy about doing it."
UEFA's decision to suspend the defender will mean he will not partake in the quarter-finals, despite being a big part of helping his country reach that point. He has featured in every match so far in their EUROs campaign, notably scoring twice against Austria in the Round of 16.
Merih Demiral drives Turkiye into quarter-finals with brace against Austria in EURO 2024
Merih Demiral notably scored twice against Austria to almost single-handedly push Turkiye into the quarter-finals. In just a minute, he put the ball in the back of the net, reacting the fastest to a loose ball in the area. On the cusp of the hour, he scored another goal, rising high to meet Arda Guler's corner and drive a header beyond the goalkeeper's reach.
Austria found their way back, but only just, as Michael Gregoritsch got to the ball first in a busy area. However, they couldn't find the second goal required to push the game into extra time, and they had to bow out of the competition. This left Turkiye to deservedly snatch their spot in the quarter-final.
However, they will not have their star man Merih Demiral when they face strong opponents in the Netherlands. They will be hoping their squad depth will suffice in potentially dealing their opponents a strong blow and setting up their spot in the semi-finals.