The “wolf” celebration of Turkish soccer player Merih Demiral in a politically charged manner and crotch-grabbing gesture by England’s Jude Bellingham at Euro 2024 led to two-match ban on Friday after UEFA, the football body of Europe.
The red card means Demiral, 26 will miss Turkey’s quarter-final on Saturday against the Netherlands prompting his government to demand that he be allowed to play.
However, 21-year-old midfielder Bellingham has been approved to play for England in their quarter-final against Switzerland later that day. He was also banned for one match, though that sanction is suspended for 12 months providing no further poor conduct.
Demiral, 26, put his fingers to the sides of his head in a gesture that looked like howling at wolf with after scoring the second goal for Turkey as they booked their spot in the quarterfinals by beating Austria. The sign is centuries old but has been associated in recent years with far-right group “Grey Wolves,” whose existence was branded racist by Germany.
Serie A Serie C UEFA said Demiral was sanctioned “for having violated the basic rules of decent conduct, for taking advantage of sports events to carry out non-sports demonstrations and for also damaging football”.
It was premeditated, something Demiral admits causing and he says is proud of as a statement for his country. Turkish media reported that Turkey’s football association will appeal.
On X, Turkey’s Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz said the ban should be removed, adding: “The beauty and excitement of football should not overshadowed with political decisions.”
Bellingham kissed his hand and placed it on his genitals as he walked off after a 2-1 last-16 win over Slovakia. “Uefa said it was ‘provoking discriminatory chants’ which had resulted in the charge, an action the governing body deemed to have broken their Disciplinary Regulations and decisions.
The English Football Association was ordered to act after British-Asian pressure group Kick It Out said Manchester City forward Sterling should not be left “to process the abuse alone”.UEFA has also discharged further sanctions against nations involved in poor supporter behaviour, fining the FA 11,000 euros for crowd disturbances and fireworks during their match with Slovakia.
Bellingham – often described as mature beyond his tender years – claimed he was joking with friends.
An inside joke with a couple of my friends who were at the game. Hours after the game — “Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight,” he said.
