14.06.2026 11:41
Serdar Ali Celikler harshly criticized the Turkish National Team following their defeat to Australia. "You played in commercials, you took the bonuses," said Celikler, also referencing Merih Demiral's off-field activities.
Following the Turkish National Team's defeat against Australia in the World Cup, sports commentator Serdar Ali Çelikler made striking statements. Claiming that the national players fell short of expectations, Çelikler said, "You played in commercials, you took your bonuses. Now you need to step onto the field and perform at a World Cup level."
"MERİH, QUIT YOUTUBE"
Çelikler's most talked-about remarks were about Merih Demiral. The experienced commentator criticized the national player, saying, "Don't be a YouTuber! Merih, quit YouTube. Is YouTube our job? Are we playing ball? Shooting videos with Cristiano Ronaldo and creating content is nice, but you need to do your job on the field first."
"MONTELLA AND THE PLAYERS WERE BOTH BAD"
Stating that head coach Vincenzo Montella was not the sole responsible for the defeat, Çelikler said the players also deserved their share of criticism. "Montella was very bad, but the players were also very bad. None of them came prepared. I also saw them as a bit full of themselves," Çelikler said, arguing that the team did not seem mentally ready for the match.
"YOU DIDN'T GO TO THE WORLD CUP AS TOURISTS"
Continuing his remarks, Çelikler called on the players, saying, "It's a very bad day. We're all upset. Guys, come on now, this is the World Cup. You didn't go there on a tourist trip."
WARNING AHEAD OF PARAGUAY MATCH
Commenting ahead of the national team's second group match against Paraguay, Çelikler said that if the same performance continues, further point losses could occur. The Crescent-Star team will determine their fate in the World Cup with the result against Paraguay.