Merih Demiral Banned for Controversial Goal Celebration UEFA has handed Turkish defender Merih Demiral a two-match ban for making a military salute after scoring a goal in a UEFA Nations League match. During Turkey’s 3-3 draw with Luxembourg on Saturday, Demiral scored an equalizer in the 86th minute. He then performed the military salute, a gesture that is associated with the Turkish military and has been used in nationalist demonstrations. UEFA’s disciplinary committee deemed the celebration as “inappropriate provocation” that violated its regulations. The two-match ban will prevent Demiral from playing in Turkey’s upcoming Nations League matches against the Faroe Islands and Greece. Demiral has defended his actions, saying that he was paying tribute to the Turkish soldiers who lost their lives in the 2016 attempted military coup in Turkey. However, UEFA’s ruling suggests that the gesture was deemed to have breached the governing body’s rules on political and religious statements during matches. The ban has sparked mixed reactions. Some fans have supported Demiral’s right to express his feelings, while others have criticized the use of such gestures in football. The incident highlights the ongoing debate about the role of politics and nationalism in sports. UEFA’s decision sends a clear message that it will not tolerate gestures that could be interpreted as promoting violence or hatred. Demiral’s absence will be a significant blow to Turkey’s Nations League hopes. The defender is a key part of their backline and his suspension leaves a void in the team. Turkey will need to find a suitable replacement for the suspended defender as they look to secure promotion to League A.Arne Slot Embraces Liverpool Challenge, Crediting Klopp’s LegacyArne Slot Embraces Liverpool Challenge, Crediting Klopp’s Legacy Arne Slot, the newly appointed Liverpool manager, acknowledges the daunting task of succeeding Jürgen Klopp but emphasizes the allure of the club’s winning culture. During his introductory press conference at Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre, Slot expressed gratitude for Klopp’s transformative impact on Liverpool, highlighting the significance of inheriting a team with a proven track record of success. Klopp’s nine-year tenure at Liverpool yielded eight trophies, including the Champions League and Liverpool’s first league title in 30 years. Slot recognizes the weight of the expectations on his shoulders but remains optimistic about the club’s potential. “When Jürgen arrived, he said he was a normal player, but what made him special was what he left behind. What he did for this club was more than normal,” Slot said. Slot’s appointment was influenced by his impressive style of play at Feyenoord, a philosophy that aligns with Liverpool’s own footballing identity. He attributes his admiration for Liverpool to their belief in his footballing approach. “I’ve worked at a very special club, Feyenoord. But when Liverpool comes… one of the clubs I would leave Feyenoord for… the style of play… if someone wants to convince me they should tell me ‘I like your style of play’ because I wouldn’t have been a good candidate for this club or any other,” Slot explained. Slot’s appointment is part of a wider restructuring at Liverpool, which also includes the arrival of Richard Hughes as Sporting Director from Bournemouth. Hughes played a key role in the decision to appoint Slot, who was impressed by Liverpool’s professionalism and vision. Slot is confident in his ability to lead Liverpool to continued success, while respecting the legacy of his predecessor. He remains focused on instilling his own style of play and creating a winning environment at Anfield.UEFA has handed Turkish defender Merih Demiral a two-match ban for his controversial goal celebration during Juventus’ Champions League match against Lokomotiv Moscow. Demiral, who scored the opening goal in the match, celebrated by making a military salute, a gesture that has been associated with Turkey’s military operation in Syria. UEFA’s Disciplinary Committee ruled that Demiral’s celebration was “inappropriate and offensive” and that it violated the governing body’s rules on “good conduct.” Demiral will now miss Juventus’ next two Champions League matches, against Bayer Leverkusen and Atletico Madrid. The ban is a blow to Juventus, who are currently top of their Champions League group and are looking to reach the knockout stages. Demiral has since apologized for his celebration, saying that he did not intend to offend anyone. He said that he was simply trying to show his support for his country. However, UEFA’s decision to ban Demiral shows that the governing body is taking a strong stance against political gestures in football.