Euro 2024: UEFA hand Turkey's Merih Demiral two match ban; Jude Bellingham fined

Published at :July 5, 2024 at 1:54 AM

Modified at :July 5, 2024 at 1:55 AM

Turkey’s Demiral faces suspension for ‘Wolf’ gesture, while England’s Bellingham escapes with €20,000 fine.

Turkey’s Merih Demiral has received a two-match ban following his ‘wolf’ celebration in the Round of 16 victory over Austria, according to Bild. Demiral, who scored both goals in Turkey’s 2-1 win, made a gesture associated with the ‘Grey Wolves’, an ultra-nationalist group banned in Austria and deemed a terror organization by the EU.

Despite Demiral stating the celebration was “connected to his Turkish identity,” UEFA launched an investigation. The resulting ban will see him miss Turkey’s quarter-final against the Netherlands and, if they advance, the semi-final. Demiral’s absence comes after his pivotal role in Turkey’s Round of 16 success.

In a separate incident, England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has been fined €20,000 for gestures made during England’s 2-1 win over Slovakia. After celebrating with fans, Bellingham was observed blowing a kiss and making a gesture towards his genitals, reportedly in the direction of the Slovakia bench.

UEFA investigated the incident but opted for a financial penalty rather than a ban. Bellingham, who reportedly earns between €10-12 million annually, explained his actions as an “inside joke with friends.”

The disciplinary outcomes mean Demiral will be absent from Turkey‘s upcoming crucial matches, while Bellingham remains eligible for England’s next fixture. These decisions come as the tournament enters its later stages, with both teams still in contention.

As Euro 2024 progresses, attention now turns to how these rulings may impact the respective teams’ performances in the upcoming matches. Turkey will face the Netherlands without Demiral, while England can continue to rely on Bellingham’s presence on the field in their next encounter.

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