UEFA 'ban Merih Demiral for gesture' against Austria at Euro 2024
Turkey have been hit with a huge blow for their upcoming Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands after Merih Demiral was reportrdly hit with a ban.
The Al Ahli defender scored a pair of headers in the round of 16 triumph over Austria to set up the clash with the Dutch on Saturday.
However, he caused controversy with a gesture after scoring his second goal - performing a 'Wolf's Salute'.
The gesture is believed to be associated with the Grey Wolves - a far-right extremist group in Turkey.
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UEFA confirmed they launched an investigation on Wednesday and according to BILD, the former Juventus man will be banned for two games.
Demiral will therefore be absent for the game against the Netherlands in Berlin, as well as the semi-final if Turkey do progress.
In Germany, the Euro 2024 hosts, the Constitutional Protection Agency take the view that supporters of the Grey Wolves as extremists.
The gesture is banned in both France and Austria but Demiral, who also shared a picture of his celebration on social media, defended his decision.
"I had a specific celebration in mind, something connected to my Turkish identity. I am incredibly proud to be Turkish, and I felt that pride deeply after scoring," he said.
"I wanted to express that, and I’m very happy I did. Our fans are proud of us. I saw them doing the gesture in the stands, and it made me want to do it even more. I am very happy."
UEFA's Safety and Security regulations state that: "The promotion or announcement, by any means, of political messages or of any other political actions inside or in the immediate vicinity of the stadium is strictly prohibited before, during and after the match."
England star Jude Bellingham was also the subject of an investigation after grabbing his crotch against Slovakia but he is only expected to be fined rather than suspended.
Josh Lawless