Former PFDK President expressed anger over the punishment given to Merih Demiral: This punishment is political.

Former Professional Discipline Board President Av. Hüseyin Karaahmetoğlu reacted to the 2-match suspension given to Merih Demiral by UEFA. Karaahmetoğlu stated in his statement to Haberler.com, "This punishment is political and is a result of the pressure from the German Interior Minister and the German media."

"THE PUNISHMENT GIVEN BY UEFA IS POLITICAL"

Karaahmetoğlu, who stated that the punishment given is political, said, "It should be accepted that the 2-match suspension given by UEFA after our national football player Merih Demiral made the Gray Wolf sign after scoring a goal in the Austria match is a completely political punishment. UEFA has succumbed to the pressure from Germany and anti-Turkish organizations and has turned itself into a political figure. We do not expect them to think like Turks in order to understand the message our football player wants to convey. However, despite knowing very well that the Gray Wolf is a national symbol of the Turks and has no political aspect, we should not accept this punishment aimed at obstructing the Turkish national team and we should take note of this punishment."

"THIS PUNISHMENT IS A DARK STAIN"

Karaahmetoğlu continued his statements, saying, "The punishment given by UEFA is a dark stain and is a result of a completely political will. What is even more interesting is that the German newspaper Bild announced the punishment one day before our defense was completed. It is our right to expect UEFA to make a statement about how a 2-match suspension was given in such referrals that have no precedent. Otherwise, UEFA will come to the point of acting on the instructions of the German Interior Minister and German newspapers. However, it is clear that the use of political signs, the use of violence-inducing weapons such as swords or arrows, and the use of religious objects and movements constitute a disciplinary offense, despite UEFA's tolerance towards them. UEFA's imposition of penalties on Turkish teams for every type of movement casts a shadow over its impartiality. I predict that the punishment given by UEFA cannot be completely lifted by CAS and that CAS also thinks like UEFA."

WHAT HAPPENED?

Our national football player Merih Demiral showed his joy by making the Gray Wolf sign after scoring goals in the Austria match. Speaking after the match about his gesture, Demiral said, "There is no message, I just wanted to show how proud and happy I am."

While Merih's gesture caused a great reaction, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser had demanded sanctions from UEFA targeting this goal celebration. UEFA had initiated an investigation against our national football player for 'inappropriate behavior' due to the allegations. UEFA's statement was as follows, "On July 2, 2024, a match between Austria and Turkey was played in Leipzig, Germany, as part of the 2024 UEFA European Championship Round of 16. An investigation has been initiated in accordance with Article 31(4) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations regarding the alleged inappropriate behavior of Merih Demiral, a player of the Turkish Football Federation. More detailed information will be provided in the coming days."