The Turks will play for the semi-final without a big star. UEFA’s decision caused fury
The Turkish star will not play in the semi-final match. UEFA showed no mercy to Merih Demiral for his gesture after scoring a goal in the match against Austria. This is a great weakening for Vincenzo Montelia’s team.
The Turkish national team won the hearts of fans by winning the 1/8 final match of Euro 2024. The hero of the team was Merih Demiral. The defender unexpectedly showed that he can also be a good scorer, as he scored twice. After the match, there was still a lot of talk about him. However, it was not only about his sports activities.
Merih Demiral suspended by UEFA
Demiral made the so-called wolf salute after one of the goals, which is identified with the far-right group “Grey Wolves”, considered a terrorist organization. It was this group that was involved years ago with Ali Agca and the assassination attempt on John Paul II. Performing the salute is legally prohibited in Austria, for example. For recidivism, one can even receive a prison sentence.
The German Interior Minister responded to the case immediately after the match, calling on UEFA to take action against the player. On Friday, the European Football Association issued a ruling, suspending Demiral for two European Championship matches. This means that the only chance for the player to play in the tournament may be if the Turks advance to the Euro finals. Before Saturday’s match, Vincenzo Montella’s team has suffered a major sporting blow. The Turkish Football Association wants to appeal UEFA’s decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
“I had a specific celebration in mind, something related to my Turkish identity. I am incredibly proud to be Turkish and I felt that pride deeply after scoring the goal,” Demiral explained the gesture after the match against Austria.
Turks furious after UEFA decision
Fans in Turkey have reacted with great anger to UEFA’s decision. They have written on social media about double standards, pointing to the case of Jude Bellingham. The Englishman received a fine of 30,000 euros and a one-match ban with a suspended sentence for celebrating after a goal in the match against Slovakia. Nothing stands in his way of playing in the quarter-finals.