#BeFairUEFA trends after the suspension of Turkish player Merih Demiral

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The quarter-finals of the UEFA European Championship 2024 begin on Friday, but not without a lot of controversy.

#BeFairUEFA was a global trending topic on Friday after the umbrella organization Turkey defender Dear Demiral for a hand gesture after Turkey’s 2-1 victory over Austria in the round of 16.

Demiral scored two goals in the win and then performed the gesture known as the “wolf salute”, which is associated with the Turkish far-right group “Grey Wolves”.

Demiral is suspended for Saturday’s quarter-final against the Netherlands and one further game, possibly a semi-final against England or Switzerland.

But the suspension was not without setbacks.

Turkish association representative criticises UEFA for suspending Merih Demiral

“Demanding punishment for a natural celebration at the end of a match while a tournament is running smoothly is an interference with the independence of football,” said UEFA Executive Board member and candidate for president of the Turkish Football Association Servet Yardimci. said on X.

“Our football player showed a natural joy as he celebrated the happiness of a moment with the Turkish fans… there is no element here that could hurt the opponent or a community. The player naturally expressed his feelings at the press conference he attended after the match.

“The way football players celebrate their victory should not be punished unless it is derogatory towards one or more groups or violates basic rules of politeness.”

UEFA had previously imposed a fine, but decided not to suspend English star Jude Bellingham for a rude gesture that was apparently directed at Slovakian players.

Turkish fans also believe that the organization has allowed similar gestures in the past.

Demiral is one of Turkey’s best players. The Turks reached the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2008 but have not progressed beyond the group stage since then. They now face a tough battle against the already favoured Dutch team without their star centre-back available.