Vincenzo Montella: The punishment given to Merih will motivate us even more.

The head coach of our National Football Team, Vincenzo Montella, made remarkable statements before tomorrow's quarter-final match against the Netherlands in the 2024 European Football Championship. The Italian coach stated that the punishment given to Merih Demiral by UEFA for making the wolf sign was unfair, saying, "This is not a political symbol. It is a symbol related to being Turkish and being proud. Unfortunately, the decision-makers interpreted it differently. But this will motivate us even more."

"THE UNCHANGING NAME OF THE STARTING XI IS TEAM SPIRIT"

Starting his words by saying "We are playing to make history. We are ready for tomorrow's match. Hopefully, we will continue," Montella used the expression, "I have proven to everyone that I was right. The mental and physical state of every player is not the same. Sometimes we have to make changes. The unchanging name of our starting XI is team spirit. We will do our best to reflect this on the field at all times."

"THE UNFAIR PUNISHMENT GIVEN TO MERIH WILL MOTIVATE US EVEN MORE"

Italian coach also commented on the 2-match ban given to Merih Demiral by UEFA for making the wolf sign after scoring a goal in the match against Austria, saying, "I think it is unfair. This is not a political symbol. It is a symbol of our history. It is related to being Turkish and being proud. Unfortunately, the decision-makers interpreted it differently. That's why we are sorry because we know it is unfair. But this will motivate us even more."

WHAT HAPPENED?

Our national football player Merih Demiral showed his joy by making the wolf sign after scoring goals in the match against Austria. Speaking after the match about his gesture, Demiral said, "There is no message, I just wanted to show how proud and happy I am." While this gesture attracted great attention, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser targeted this goal celebration and demanded sanctions from UEFA. UEFA initiated an investigation against our national football player for "inappropriate behavior" due to this goal celebration. UEFA's statement said, "An investigation has been initiated in accordance with Article 31(4) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations regarding the alleged inappropriate behavior of Merih Demiral, a player of the Turkish Football Federation, in the 2024 UEFA European Championship Round of 16 match between Austria and Turkey, which took place in Leipzig, Germany, on July 2, 2024. More detailed information will be provided in the coming days." UEFA concluded the investigation and imposed a 2-match ban on our national football player Merih Demiral.