Demiral Faces Suspension for Wolfsgruß Gesture

UEFA Imposes Two-Game Ban

The 26-year-old Turkish defender, Merih Demiral, is facing a two-match suspension by UEFA. This penalty stems from the controversial Wolfsgruß gesture he displayed after Turkey’s victory over Austria. Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, 70, has announced his intention to travel to Berlin for Turkey’s match against the Netherlands.

Demiral to Miss Quarterfinal and Potential Semifinal

According to BILD-Zeitung, UEFA has decided to suspend Merih Demiral for two games. This means he will miss Turkey’s quarterfinal against the Netherlands on July 6 and a potential semifinal against England or Switzerland. Demiral’s absence would significantly weaken the Turkish team.

Wolfsgruß Symbolism and Political Backlash

The Wolfsgruß gesture displayed by Demiral carries significance related to the Ülkücü Movement, which is monitored by the German authorities due to its extremist nature. In response to the outcry over the Wolfsgruß, Turkish officials have criticized UEFA’s decision, arguing that it has historical and cultural significance.

Erdoğan’s Trip to Berlin and Community Impact

Following the controversy, Turkish President Erdoğan has canceled his trip to Azerbaijan and will instead travel to Berlin to support Turkey in the quarterfinal match. This decision holds significance for the Turkish community in Norway, especially in Berlin, where a large number of Turkish nationals reside.

UEFA Stance on Political Messages

The UEFA maintains a strict policy against political statements during matches, whether on the field or in the stands. Recent actions against Albanian player Mirlind Daku for nationalist chants reinforce this stance. It is likely that Demiral and the Turkish Football Association will also face penalties for breaching this policy.