UEFA suspends Demiral for 2-match after Bozkurt gesture
The UEFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed a two-match suspension on Turkish national player Merih Demiral for making a Bozkurt (Grey Wolves) gesture after scoring a goal in the Euro 2024 round of 16 match against Austria. UEFA cited the reason for the suspension as unsportsmanlike conduct, damaging the integrity of football, and violating general behavioral principles.
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) was preparing to file an expedited appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to overturn Demiral’s suspension. However, it was learned that CAS does not handle appeals for suspensions of two matches or fewer. Consequently, Demiral will miss today’s Euro 2024 quarter-final match against the Netherlands.
TFF’s legal team submitted a 27-page defense to the UEFA Disciplinary Committee, emphasizing that the Bozkurt gesture is a centuries-old symbol of Turkish heritage. The defense also highlighted that players from other countries have not been penalized for making political gestures. Despite this, UEFA swiftly issued the suspension.
DOUBLE STANDARDS?
UEFA handed only a suspended match ban to English player Jude Bellingham, who grabbed his crotch in celebration after scoring against Slovakia, deeming it not a violation of basic decency. Additionally, French players Mbappe, Thuram, and Dembele faced no sanctions for their comments against Marine Le Pen during the elections.
MONTELLA: UNFAIR DECISION
National team coach Montella expressed his disappointment with UEFA’s decision: “I think it’s unfair. Merih’s gesture is not political; it’s about Turkish pride. We know it’s an unfair decision, but it will only motivate us more and strengthen our team spirit.”
BAHÇELİ: RETURN TO TURKEY
MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli called for the national team to return home if UEFA does not reverse its decision, labeling the suspension a scandal.
ERDOĞAN’S SUPPORT
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan defended Demiral and criticized UEFA. He pointed out that no one questions the eagle on Germany’s jerseys or the rooster on France’s. Erdoğan indicated that the Foreign Ministry is addressing the issue with UEFA officials.
REACTION FROM OPPOSITION
CHP leader Özgür Özel called the suspension unfair and politically motivated.
FORMER TFF CHAIRMAN’S CRITICISM
Former TFF Chairman Şenes Erzik criticized UEFA Executive Committee member Servet Yardımcı for not preventing the investigation and suspension.
UNACCEPTABLE DECISION
Servet Yardımcı stated that the suspension is unacceptable and intervenes in the independence of football.
POLITICAL DECISION
TFF President Mehmet Büyükekşi called the suspension political and legally unsound, noting that the gesture symbolizes Turkish heritage.
TURKEY TAKES ON THE NETHERLANDS
The Turkish national team faces the Netherlands today in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. The match will be held at Berlin Olympic Stadium at 22:00 and broadcast live on TRT 1. Due to UEFA’s suspension, Demiral will miss the match along with Orkun Kökçü and İsmail Yüksek, who are serving yellow card suspensions. Coach Montella is expected to field a starting lineup of Mert Günok, Mert Müldür, Samet, Abdülkerim, Ferdi, Salih, Kaan, Hakan, Barış, Kenan, and Arda. If Turkey advances, they will face the winner of the England-Switzerland match in the semi-finals.
