EXPLAINED: WHY ENGLAND'S JUDE BELLINGHAM AVOIDED EURO 2024 BAN BUT TURKEY HERO MERIH DEMIRAL WAS PUNISHED BY UEFA AMID GOAL CELEBRATION OUTRAGE

WHAT HAPPENED?

The attacking midfielder was hit with a fine and a suspended ban, meaning he will be allowed to feature in England's quarter-final clash against Switzerland on Saturday. Meanwhile, Turkey will be without Merih Demiral after he was hit with a two-game ban because he celebrated a goal against Austria with a political gesture.

THE EXPLANATION

Many supporters are wondering why Bellingham has avoided a ban while Demiral will miss the quarter-final against Netherlands as well as the semi-final, should his team progress.

The discrepancy is down to the nature of the pair's celebrations. Bellingham was accused of aiming a lewd gesture towards the Slovakia bench after his goal, but the Real Madrid star explained it was an "inside joke" aimed at friends of his in the stands. UEFA ruled that he was punished for "for violating the basic rules of decent conduct".

Demiral, on the other hand, made a political salute as his celebration was seen as a nod to the Turkish right-wing political group the Grey Wolves. UEFA explained that he was suspended "for using sports events for manifestations of a non-sporting nature".

THE BIGGER PICTURE

England will take Bellingham's availability as a huge boost as they prepare for the Euro 2024 quarter-final tie against Switzerland on Saturday. Turkey, on the other hand, will hope they can cover for Demiral's absence as they come up against Netherlands.

WHAT NEXT?

Bellingham will no doubt be in the starting XI for the weekend's match. The winner of England's match against Switzerland will go on to meet either Turkey or Netherlands in the semi-finals.