German Media: 'UEFA Banned Merih Demiral'

The European Football Association has banned the Turkish national football team's scoring defender for displaying the Grey Wolves symbol, preventing him from participating in two matches. This news was published by German media before UEFA's official announcement. International news agencies, including Reuters, reported Demiral's ban citing 'German media.' Bild quoted UEFA stating: 'This player violated the code of conduct and used sporting events for unsporting statements.' As a result, Merih Demiral will miss the match against the Netherlands in the quarter-finals and possibly the semi-final as well. His participation in the continuation of Euro is only possible if Turkey reaches the finals. This 26-year-old defender, who has played for Juventus and Atalanta, is currently under contract with Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia. He scored both goals for Turkey against Austria, leading the team to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 and was also named the man of the match. Demiral displayed the Grey Wolves symbol with both hands during his goal celebration and also shared his unique joy on the X platform. Nancy Faeser, Germany's Interior Minister, condemned the Turkish football star's gesture, writing on the same platform: 'Symbols of Turkey's far-right have no place in our stadiums. Using the European Championship as a platform for racism is absolutely unacceptable, and we expect UEFA to consider sanctions in reviewing this case.' UEFA initiated its investigation based on Article 31, Clause 4. The leader of Turkey's Nationalist Movement Party protested what he called 'UEFA's malice and provocative action,' stating: 'The Grey Wolves symbol that our son showed after scoring is the message of the Turkish nation to the world.' In protest, the Turkish government summoned the German ambassador in Ankara. Subsequently, the Turkish ambassador in Berlin was also summoned to the German Foreign Ministry. Demiral stated regarding his gesture: 'My way of celebrating is related to my Turkish identity and was merely to express my national pride. There is no hidden message in it. Spectators in the stadium also made this gesture.' Alongside Demiral's ban, Jude Bellingham, the star of the English national team, was fined 20,000 euros for his controversial celebration after scoring against Slovakia.