Erdogan criticizes UEFA's disqualification of Turkish footballer over "wolf salute"

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has voiced strong criticism against UEFA's decision to disqualify Turkish national team player Merih Demiral for making a "Bozgurd" (Grey Wolf) gesture during a quarter-final match.

Erdogan's remarks came in response to questions from Turkish media, where he expressed disbelief at the disciplinary action taken by UEFA, Caliber.Az reports citing Turkish media.

"Will anyone question the Germans for having an eagle on their t-shirts? Will someone ask why the French have a rooster on theirs?" Erdogan questioned, highlighting a double standard in UEFA's enforcement of rules regarding national symbols and gestures.

"Merih expressed his excitement with this gesture. Our foreign ministry has summoned officials to address this, and appropriate steps have been taken. Hopefully, it's all about Saturday. We aim to leave the field with a win and move on to the next round. Unless something extraordinary happens, I've decided to attend the match," said Erdogan.

Turkish football player Merih Demiral has been suspended for two matches for his "grey wolf" gesture during the UEFA EURO 2024 last 16 match against Austria.

UEFA's statement cited Demiral's suspension for "failing to comply with the general principles of conduct, violating the basic rules of decent behaviour, using sporting events for non-sporting manifestations, and discrediting football as a sport."

As it stands, Demiral, 26, a former Juventus and Atalanta player, cannot play against the Netherlands in the Saturday quarterfinal match and will also miss the EURO 2024 semifinals if Türkiye advances.

UEFA previously launched an investigation after Demiral celebrated with the grey wolf sign in a last 16 match against Austria, which Türkiye won 2-1 in Germany's Leipzig on July 2.

Demiral scored twice to play a key role in the victory over Austria.

A Türkiye player since 2018, Demiral has scored four goals in 48 international caps for his nation.