Turkey’s manager, Vincenzo Montella, addressed the media ahead of their crucial Euro 2024 quarter-final clash against the Netherlands. A key topic was the suspension of defender Merih Demiral for making a wolf gesture deemed political.
Montella argued Demiral’s actions were misinterpreted, stating, “We think this punishment is unfair. Because it wasn’t a political movement. It was interpreted as such. It was just a move that was not properly understood.
“This does not restrain Turkish pride. We will take the field with even more desire, great honor and pride, and we want to make the country proud. I’m sure everyone will be highly motivated. This also applies to the fans.”
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Ahmet Taşagıl, a professor at the Turkish Language and Literature Department at Istanbul’s Yeditepe University, revealed that the wolf is an important symbol of Turkic culture.
“The wolf symbol is one of the most important symbols of the Turks,” Tasagil was quoted as saying by Daily Sabah.
“All Turkic tribes living in Central Asia used this symbol during the fourth and fifth centuries. It was first used by a Turkic tribe called the Wusuns in 174 B.C. By the A.D. fourth and fifth centuries, the wolf motif was adopted by the Turkic tribes known as the Kao-Ch’e.”
The match, taking place tomorrow at Berlin Olympic Stadium, comes with a cloud hanging over Demiral’s participation. UEFA’s two-game suspension for his celebration has sparked debate, particularly when compared to other recent rulings.
For instance, England’s Jude Bellingham received a suspended one-match ban for a gesture but remains eligible to play. Conversely, some Serbian players using a nationalist salute faced no suspension, only fines.
This inconsistency in UEFA’s disciplinary actions is a point of contention for Turkey. Despite the challenges, Montella’s message is clear that his team will enter the Netherlands clash with unwavering determination.
Turkey head into the Euro 2024 quarter-finals for the first time in 16 years after beating Austria 2-1 in the Last 16. Demiral scored both goals for the Turkish side and is absence will be a loss.