Demiral Euros ban 'unfair' but Turkish pride will grow, says coach Montella

Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella said Friday Merih Demiral's ban for making a controversial salute was "unfair" ahead of the team's Euro 2024 quarter-final clash with the Netherlands.

Defender Demiral was banned for two matches after making an alleged ultra-nationalist gesture in his team's 2-1 last-16 win over Austria.

During the celebrations of his second goal Demiral, 26, made a gesture associated with Turkish right-wing extremist group Grey Wolves, which sparked a diplomatic row, although the player denied any political motivations.

"We consider it unfair, this ban, because there was not a political gesture. It was interpreted as such but it was just something that was not properly understood," Montella told a news conference Friday.

"It's certainly not a ban that puts the breaks on Turkish pride, quite the opposite -- it will be even stronger.

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Football

"It's a symbol of the Turks and the Turks around the world and it will remain just that, tomorrow that pride will definitely be more evident on the pitch, in the stands and with those watching on television."

Germany's Interior Minister Nancy Faeser warned "the 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 potential semi-final against Switzerland or England.