Turkish footballer Merih Demiral is at the center of a controversy following his celebration during Turkey’s 2-1 victory over Austria in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals. Demiral, who scored both goals for Turkey, displayed the ‘Wolfsgruß’ gesture, a symbol associated with the Turkish far-right movement ‘Grey Wolves’. This gesture is banned in several European countries, including Austria, and is considered a political symbol by UEFA.Initial reports from German media, including Bild, suggested that UEFA had suspended Demiral for two matches. This would have meant missing the quarterfinal against the Netherlands and a potential semifinal. However, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has since denied these reports, stating, ‘The news that ‘Merih Demiral was given a 2-match suspension by UEFA’ published in Bild newspaper is not true. We still have time to defend ourselves until tomorrow morning.’ The incident has sparked diplomatic tensions between Turkey and Germany. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser called for immediate punishment of the Turkish player, while the Turkish Foreign Ministry summoned the German ambassador to Ankara, considering the German reaction unacceptable. Demiral himself has stated that he is ‘very proud to be Turkish’ and denied any connection to ultra-right movements.UEFA has opened an investigation into Demiral’s behavior under Article 31(4) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, which deals with unsportsmanlike conduct. The final decision on any potential sanctions is pending Demiral’s defense, which is due by tomorrow morning.This incident occurs against the backdrop of UEFA’s strict stance against political symbols at the tournament. The organization is also facing other challenges, including struggles with ticket sales and combating unauthorized secondary market sales.
Key points
- Turkish player Merih Demiral is under UEFA investigation for displaying the ‘Wolfsgruß’ gesture during a Euro 2024 match.
- The Turkish Football Federation denies reports of a two-match suspension for Demiral.
- The incident has caused diplomatic tension between Turkey and Germany.
- UEFA’s final decision is pending Demiral’s defense, due by tomorrow morning.
Contradictions👾Initial reports claimed Demiral was suspended for two matches, but the Turkish Football Federation later denied these reports.
👾Demiral claims his gesture was merely an expression of Turkish pride, while others interpret it as a political symbol associated with far-right movements.
