UEFA Suspends Turkey's Merih Demiral for Controversial Gesture

UEFA has suspended Turkey's Merih Demiral for two matches following a controversial gesture at the European Championship. Demiral violated UEFA's rules for general conduct by using a hand sign associated with an ultra-nationalist group. His suspension means he will miss Turkey’s next match against the Netherlands.

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has handed a two-match suspension to Turkish player Merih Demiral for a controversial gesture made during the European Championship.

UEFA announced on Friday that Demiral was banned for failing to adhere to the general principles of conduct, violating basic rules of decent conduct, and using sports events for non-sporting manifestations, thus bringing the sport into disrepute. The defender's recent actions, which occurred after he scored both goals in a 2-1 victory over Austria to secure Turkey's place in the quarterfinals, included a hand sign associated with the ultra-nationalist Gray Wolves group.

As a result of the suspension, Demiral will not participate in Turkey's upcoming match against the Netherlands in Berlin on Saturday.

(With inputs from agencies.)