Turkish defender banned for two games after showing ultra-nationalist gesture

Turkey's defender Merih Demiral has been handed a two-game suspension due to his controversial celebration during the team's victory against Austria in Euro 2024. The player scored both goals in the 2-1 victory, securing Turkey a spot in the quarter-finals against the Netherlands. However, his celebration, which involved an ultra-nationalist salute known as the 'wolf salute,' has resulted in disciplinary action. This is prepared by SSP.

The 'wolf salute' is a gesture associated with the far-right extremist group Grey Wolves, which is linked to Turkey's ruling coalition party, the National Movement Party. This salute is prohibited in Austria and France, but Demiral claims that it was pre-planned in the event of him scoring during the match.

As a consequence, Uefa, the governing body for European football, has charged Demiral with several violations. These include failing to adhere to general principles of conduct, breaching the basic rules of decency, using a sports event for non-sporting demonstrations, and bringing the sport into disrepute.

Contrastingly, Jude Bellingham from England's team has been cleared to participate in the quarter-final against Switzerland. This comes after he made a contentious gesture during the team's last-16 victory over Slovakia by grabbing his crotch while celebrating a goal. The Real Madrid midfielder, aged 21, has been fined £25,400 (30,000 Euros) and given a one-match suspension, which is however, suspended for a year.