Turkiye’s Demiral banned for two games, England’s Bellingham fined

UEFA imposed disciplinary actions on Friday, with Turkish footballer Merih Demiral receiving a two-match ban for his celebratory “wolf” gesture and England’s Jude Bellingham being fined 30,000 euros for a gesture involving his groin during Euro 2024.

Demiral, aged 26, will miss Turkiye’s upcoming quarter-final against the Netherlands due to his gesture resembling a wolf’s head, which has historical connotations but is associated with Turkiye’s controversial “Grey Wolves” group in recent times. This was deemed inappropriate and condemned by Germany as racist. UEFA cited Demiral for breaching conduct principles, using sports events for non-sporting expressions, and bringing football into disrepute. Demiral defended his action as a patriotic expression, and Turkiye’s football association intends to appeal the decision.

Meanwhile, Bellingham, 21, escaped suspension for his post-match gesture following England’s win over Slovakia, where he kissed his hand and lowered it to his groin. UEFA fined him and imposed a one-match ban, which is suspended pending good behavior, for breaching conduct rules.

In addition, UEFA fined the English Football Association 10,000 euros for crowd disturbances and 1,000 euros for fireworks set off during the Slovakia game.