Turkey pro Demiral allegedly banned for wolf salute
In the EM game against Austria, Turkish national player Demiral celebrates his second goal with the Wolf Salute. The right-wing extremist gesture has now apparently resulted in sports consequences. According to a report, the UEFA suspended the defender for two games.
For Merih Demiral, the Wolf Salute shown during the goal celebration against Austria, according to a "Bild" report, has apparently serious consequences. The UEFA reportedly suspended the defender of the Turkish national team for two games. This means that the 26-year-old would miss his team's EM quarterfinal against the Netherlands on Saturday in Berlin (9 p.m./RTL and Magenta TV) and a potential semifinal. However, Turkish media reported that a decision in this case had not yet been made. The UEFA remained silent on the matter in the evening.
Demiral formed the Hand sign and symbol of the "Grey Wolves" with both hands after his goal in Leipzig and caused great controversy. The "Grey Wolves" are referred to as the supporters of the right-wing extremist "Ulkuçu Movement" in Germany, which is monitored by the Federal Constitutional Protection. In Turkey, the ultranationalist MHP is their political representation and alliance partner of the Islamo-conservative AKP of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
From his home country, Demiral initially received backing. The chief of the ultranationalist MHP, Devlet Bahçeli, called the initiation of proceedings by the UEFA a "provocation." The step was "extremely prejudiced and wrong."
The Turkish Foreign Ministry also condemned the investigation and called it unacceptable. Not every person who shows the sign of the Grey Wolves can be labeled as right-wing extremist. The Wolf Salute is not banned in Germany, and the reactions of German authorities are "xenophobic." The ministry summoned the German ambassador on Wednesday.
A penalty exists for Englishman Jude Bellingham according to "Bild." The former BVB player in the service of Real Madrid is reportedly not suspended for the obscene gesture during the goal celebration, but should receive a fine of at least 20,000 Euros.
Merih Demiral's suspension from UEFA for two games is due to his display of the Wolf Salute, a right-wing extremist gesture, following his goal against Austria. This action has also sparked controversy in Turkey, with the ultranationalist MHP party and the Turkish Foreign Ministry expressing support for Demiral.
