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The quarterfinals of the 2024 UEFA Euros begin on Friday, but not without a good amount of controversy.
#BeFairUEFA trended worldwide on Friday after the governing body suspended Turkey defender Merih Demiral for a hand gesture after Turkey’s 2-1 win over Austria in the round of 16.
Demiral scored twice in the victory and then offered a gesture known as the “wolf salute,” which is associated with the Turkish right-wing extremist group “Grey Wolves.”
Demiral is suspended for Saturday’s quarterfinal against the Netherlands and one additional game, which could well be a semifinal against England or Switzerland.
But the suspension did not come without blowback.
Turkish Federation Rep Hits Out At UEFA Over Merih Demiral Suspension
“Requesting punishment for a natural celebration after the match is over in a tournament that is running smoothly is an intervention in the independence of football,” UEFA Executive Board Member and Turkish Football Federation Presidential Candidate Servet Yardimci said on X.
“Our football player shared a natural joy when he was celebrating with Turkish fans the happiness of a moment … there is no element here that could hurt your opponent or any community. The player naturally expressed his feelings at the press conference he attended after the match.
“Football players’ celebration methods and manners should not be penalized unless they are derogatory to any group or group or violate basic rules of courtesy.”
UEFA previously fined but opted not to suspend England star Jude Bellingham for a crude gesture seemingly aimed at Slovakian players.
Turkish fans also believe that the organization has allowed similar gestures to slide in the past.
#BeFairUEFA Yüklen! pic.twitter.com/rxIujkmsaZ
— BGY (@bgyether) July 5, 2024
Demiral is one of Turkey’s top players. The Turks reached the semifinals of UEFA Euro 2008 but had not been out of the group stage since that point. Now they face an uphill battle against an already favored Netherlands squad without the availability of their star center back.