-
- Published: July 7, 2024 02:07
New Delhi: Merih Demiral who a the two goals against Austria in the Round of 16 is not in the starting lineup or the bench against the Netherlands.
This is because the Turkish defender has been handed a 2-match ban by UEFA which makes him ineligible to play for the Euro 2024. Furthermore, the rule says that if Türkiye manages to cross the hurdle of the quarterfinals, Demiral will still miss out on the semifinals.
Taraftarlarımızdan Merih Demiral'a destek. pic.twitter.com/Kzq78WmkpJ
— Boşuna Tıklama (@bosunatiklama) July 6, 2024
The differential treatment!
The Turkish Football Association’s Federation Mehmet Buyukeksi has called out the UEFA for its alleged ‘double standards’ in the case. Interestingly, Jude Bellingham, England’s star mid-fielder was also found guilty for his ‘revealing’ celebration.
UEFA, Jude Bellingham'ın savunmasını 5 gün boyunca inceledi ve kararını verdi. TFF ve Merih Demiral'ın savunmasını 3 saat inceledi ve cezayı verdi!
TFF başkanı olmayı düşünen Servet Yardımcı sen ne iş yapıyorsun?#BeFairUEFA #MerihDemiralYalnızDeğildir
pic.twitter.com/fHNkuG8Vrd— DAYI (@demirbaygs) July 5, 2024
However, Real Madrid was handed just 1 match ban which can be applied to any given match throughout the year. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has also come in support of his countrymen as he remarked that Demiral’s celebration was merely indicative and there were no ulterior motives to the celebrations.
In the match when asked about Demiral’s suspension, the federation president Mehmet Buyukeksi remarked calmly and positively but was also quick to criticise UEFA. “When compared to the fines and suspended penalties for much more serious offences, including racist behaviour in the stands, this two-match ban is hugely disproportionate..”
What happened with Demiral?
During the match against Austria, Demiral allegedly made a controversial gesture which went against the “…general principles of conduct, for violating the basic rules of decent conduct…”
In Turkic mythology, the Gray Wolf symbolizes the origins of Turkic, Altai, and Mongol tribes. This symbol, preserved for centuries, appeared in Euro 2024 when Merih Demiral celebrated his goal with a ‘Wolf Salute’. pic.twitter.com/NHCn2F0r7Z
— The Caspian Post (@thecaspianpost) July 5, 2024
Merih Demiral was instrumental in both the goals that the Turks scored against Austria. According to reports, after the second goal, Demiral made a gesture which resembled a wolf. UEFA has said that the ‘wolf’ gesture resembled the infamous “Gray Wolves” of Turkey which had gained notoriety for its offensive duties against the various countries nearby.
However, the Turkish FA has made it clear that the player did not perform the gesture intentionally and any resemblance with the original gesture is just a mere coincidence.