Why Jude Bellingham escaped a ban despite the two-match ban of his Euro 2024 rival Merih Demiral

Jude Bellingham and Merih Demiral were both punished by UEFA this week, although the Turkish defender received a much harsher punishment.

Both players were accused of making indecent gestures during their round of 16 matches; Bellingham committed an offence against Slovakia and Demiral against Austria.

The England midfielder appeared to clutch his crotch as he looked at the Slovakian bench after scoring the equaliser deep into injury time.

Meanwhile, the Turkish centre-back appeared to form a wolf symbol with his hands after scoring two goals that helped his country advance to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.

Following a UEFA investigation into both incidents, Demiral was immediately banned for two matches, while Bellingham avoided an immediate ban.

But why were the penalties different for each player?

Well, it’s because of the meaning behind the gestures.

Bellingham was found guilty of violating only one rule, namely: “violation of the basic rules of decent conduct.”

After the incident, he explained on social media that his antics were an inside joke between him and his friends.

UEFA nevertheless investigated the case and decided to fine him 30,000 euros (25,000 pounds).

He was also given a suspended one-game ban, which does not take effect immediately but is subject to a one-year probationary period.

Meanwhile, Demiral’s wolf gesture seemed to be the symbol of a right-wing, ultra-nationalist group “Grey Wolves”.

The group is banned in France and the wolf gesture is also frowned upon in Austria. The Austrians were opponents of Turkey when it created the symbol.

After the game he told BILD: “The way I celebrated has something to do with my Turkish identity.

“I saw people in the stadium making this gesture as well.”

But UEFA has a zero-tolerance policy towards political speech during the European Championships and Demiral was found guilty of four rule violations, including:

• General principles of conduct
• Violation of the basic rules of decent behavior
• Use of a sporting event for non-sporting events
• Bringing football into disrepute

This resulted in the defender being suspended for two matches and will therefore miss Turkey’s clash with the Netherlands and a possible semi-final.

Both the Netherlands vs Turkey and England vs Switzerland matches will be broadcast live on the talkSPORT network this weekend.

Bellingham will be in action, but Demiral will be forced to watch from the sidelines…

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