Demiral’s Euro ban ‘unfair’ but Turkish pride will grow, says coach Montella

Published on: 07/05/2024 – 19:34Amended: 07/05/2024 – 19:48

2 minutes

Defender Demiral has been banned for two matches after making an alleged ultra-nationalist gesture during his team’s 2-1 round of 16 win over Austria.

During celebrations for his second goal, Demiral, 26, made a gesture associated with Turkish far-right group the Grey Wolves, sparking a diplomatic row, although the player has denied any political motivation.

“We consider this ban to be unfair, because it is not a political gesture. It has been interpreted as such, but it is simply something that has not been well understood,” Montella said at a press conference on Friday.

“This is certainly not a ban that will dampen Turkish pride, quite the contrary: it will be even stronger.

“It is a symbol of Turks and Turks all over the world and it will remain so. Tomorrow, this pride will certainly be more evident on the pitch, in the stands and to those watching on television.”

UEFA said Demiral had violated “fundamental rules of decent conduct” and had “brought football into disrepute”.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser warned that “symbols of Turkish right-wing extremists have no place in our stadiums.”

Turkey summoned the German ambassador on Wednesday over politicians’ reactions to Demiral’s celebration and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan decided to attend the quarter-final in Berlin on Saturday.

If Turkey progress, Demiral will also be suspended for a possible semi-final against Switzerland or England.

Italian coach Montella said he had confidence in who he would choose to replace the suspended Al-Ahli defender.

“We have three players suspended with Demiral, but the players who have arrived have always played well. I am quite calm about that.”

Tens of thousands of Turkish fans are expected at the Olympic Stadium to support their team, given the large number of them living in Germany.

“Our fans have been exceptional so far, they have been passionate and really given us their love… they have always behaved brilliantly and that is what I expect tomorrow, that level of passion and good behaviour,” Montella continued.

“They have to show their Turkish pride, be close to the team and show it to us even in difficult times.”

The coach said his team, the youngest on average at the Euros, had to manage their emotions well and use them to propel themselves to victory against their more experienced opponents.

“(Some of them) are used to playing these games, preparing for these games, and they have a little bit of an advantage,” Montella added.

“You have to be able to manage this emotional sphere, to transform emotions into energy.

“We are younger, we can have more energy and that can give us an advantage.”

© 2024 AFP