In a decision that has caused a diplomatic dispute between Turkey and host nation Germany, UEFA has suspended Turkey player Merih Demiral for two matches for making a controversial hand gesture during the European Championship. The ban effectively rules Demiral out of Turkey's quarterfinal against the Netherlands on Saturday, and the semifinal, should Turkey advance.

Following his second goal in Turkey's round-of-16 win over Austria, Demiral made a hand sign associated with the Turkish ultra-nationalist organization Ulku Ocaklari, also known as the Gray Wolves. While Demiral claimed it was an innocent expression of national pride, German officials condemned the gesture as "racism" and "standing for terror, fascism."

The Turkish Football Federation joined government officials in denouncing the suspension but stated that it cannot appeal the decision due to it falling under the three-game threshold. The Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, changed his plans to visit Azerbaijan in order to attend Saturday's quarterfinal.

UEFA justified the ban by stating that Demiral violated the general principles of conduct and brought the sport of football into disrepute. However, the decision has been met with criticism from Turkish authorities, who accuse UEFA of "double standards" and view the suspension as politically motivated.

Turkish nationalist leader Devlet Bahceli called for the national team to boycott Saturday's game if UEFA does not reverse its "shameful decision." Meanwhile, the Turkish Foreign Ministry has expressed concern over the decision, stating that it reinforces the perception of prejudice against foreigners in certain European countries.

This is not the first time Demiral has been involved in a similar controversy. In 2019, he was one of 16 Turkey players reprimanded for making military-style salutes during matches, coinciding with a military offensive in Syria.

As tensions escalate between Turkey and Germany, UEFA's decision and its implications continue to be met with strong reactions from both sides. The suspension of Demiral not only affects the Turkish team's performance in the tournament but also highlights the ongoing debate surrounding freedom of expression and the boundaries of national pride in the world of sports.