Merih Demiral has been suspended for two European Championship matches by UEFA, it was announced BILD Thursday. The defender will miss the quarter-final match against the Dutch national team on Saturday. Demiral made the wolf salute after his goal against Austria (1-2 win), a gesture that is always linked to the Grey Wolves, an ultra-nationalist group. The Turkish association denies that Demiral is suspended.

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) denies the reports BILD about Demiral's impending suspension. “UEFA has requested Merih Demiral's defense and the investigation will be completed after this defense. Do not believe the unfounded reports,” the TFF emphasizes. The Turkish federation has until Friday morning to file a defense with UEFA.

Commotion

Demiral, who scored twice against Austria, cheered by moving his middle and ring fingers of both hands to his thumbs, while clearly holding his index fingers and pinkies up. There was an immediate commotion about Demiral's way of cheering.

The Grey Wolves are affiliated with the far-right Turkish Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). The gesture Demiral made is banned in Austria, for example, the opponent in the round of 16 of the European Championship.

???? We don't want to bake Turkish food! pic.twitter.com/4K3kVPFxgW

— Merih Demiral (@Merihdemiral) July 2, 2024

Various media, including BILDspoke of an absolute disgrace. In 2019, the Austrian parliament even passed the law that bans symbols of “extremist organizations” in the country, in order to counter terrorist propaganda, according to the government. In Germany, a ban is now also being discussed.

People are furious on social media and several journalists are calling for a suspension against Demiral. Some human rights activists and politicians even call the salute the equivalent of a Nazi salute and therefore UEFA should ban Demiral from the European Championship, it is said.

“As much as I am delighted about Turkey’s victory, I cannot remain silent about this,” wrote Eren Güvercin, a German journalist, on X. “The scorer of both Turkish goals brings the far-right Grey Wolves salute onto the pitch. Will that be a suspension, UEFA?” he addressed the European Football Association.

Demiral's response

Demiral is unaware of any wrongdoing and foresaw BILD of a reaction. “I am very happy that I scored two goals. How I scored the fourth had to do with my Turkish identity. I saw people in the stadium making that gesture too,” he said afterwards. UEFA is expected to make a final decision on Friday morning.

Always stay up to date with the most important football news? Join the Voetbalzone WhatsApp channel now!

More sports news