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Uefa reject appeal of Turkey stopper Demirel

24/06/2008

Volkan Demirel's appeal against the second game of his two-match ban has been rejected by Uefa.

The Turkey goalkeeper was given a two-game suspension following his last-minute dismissal against the Czech Republic in his side's final group game nine days ago.

The ban meant the 26-year-old was forced to miss his side's Euro 2008 quarter-final against Croatia, with veteran Rustu Recber forced to step in as understudy.

Demirel's suspension would have been just one match, but because he sat on the players' bench after being dismissed instead of returning to the dressing room - as protocol dictates - he was given an additional punishment.

A statement from the European governing body read: "The Uefa appeals body has rejected the appeal made by the Turkish Football Association (TFF) following the control and disciplinary body's decision to ban goalkeeper Volkan Demirel for two matches for his red card against the Czech Republic.

"Consequently the decision of Uefa's control and disciplinary body is upheld.

"And with Volkan Demirel having already served one part of the two-match ban during Turkey's quarter-final against Croatia, he will complete the suspension in Wednesday's Euro 2008 semi-final against Germany."

Turkey are struggling with a number of absentees already ahead of their semi-final match against tournament favourites Germany on Wednesday, with some reports suggesting coach Fatih Terim has only 13 outfit players available.

Arda Turan, Tuncay Sanli and Emre Asik are all also scheduled to miss the last-four match through bans after picking up yellow cards against Croatia.

Servet Cetin is still struggling with hip and knee injuries; Tumer Metin has a groin problem; and Emre Belozoglu is sidelined with a hamstring injury, meaning all three are rated as major doubts for the Germany game.

A calf injury to Emre Gungor and a thigh injury for Nihat Kahveci have already brought premature ends to their tournaments.