Azeri president condemns UEFA ban on Turkish footballer over wolf gesture
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has condemned UEFA's decision to impose a two-match ban on Turkish footballer Merih Demiral for his grey wolf gesture during the Turkey-Austria match, TRT World reported.
"The penalty given to Merih is unjust and I strongly condemn it," Aliyev said on X on Saturday.
Demiral was suspended Friday for two matches for using the grey wolf sign at a UEFA Euro 2024 match against Austria.
Aliyev also expressed his support for the Turkish national football team as they prepare for their EURO 2024 quarterfinal match against the Netherlands, stating: "I wish the Turkish national team victory in their match against the Netherlands. Long live the Turkic world."
"I especially congratulate Merih Demiral, who scored two goals and was chosen as the best player of the match in the round of 16," he added.
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