EURO 2024: Türkiye's Merih Demiral Might Face a Ban
- Publish date: since 2 day
The footballer could be banned from the quarter-final against the Netherlands.
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Turkish footballer and goalscorer Merih Demiral could face a ban from the EURO 2024 quarter-final against the Netherlands on Saturday, Jun. 6.
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The goalscorer could be banned because of his gesture after his team's win against Austria in Leipzig, Germany on Wednesday, Jun. 3.
During the match, Demiral celebrated his second goal with a wolf salute, which was associated with the ring-wing nationalist group Grey Wolves and is banned in Austria. The action can be penalised with fines of up to four thousand euros.
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) released a statement, which read: "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. Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course."
After the match, Demiral defended the gesture, saying "I had a specific celebration in mind, something connected to my Turkish identity."
He also said, "I am incredibly proud to be Turkish, and I felt that pride deeply after scoring. I wanted to express that, and I’m very happy I did."
The gesture has not been banned in Germany, but there has been discussion by political parties to make it illegal.
The EURO 2024 will continue until Friday, Jul. 14.
Image source: @merihdemiral Instagram page