Turkey take on Dutch in politically charged Euros quarters today
Sunday, 7 July 2024
BERLIN, July 06 (AFP): Turkey face the Netherlands in a Euro 2024 quarter-final on Saturday (Sunday morning as per BST) whose lead-up has been dominated by a diplomatic row between the Turks and Germany.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will attend the match at Berlin's Olympiastadion amidst a political spat between his country and host nation Germany over a controversial gesture by banned Turkey defender Merih Demiral.
The centre-back, who scored both Turkey's goals in a 2-1 win over Austria in the last 16 on Tuesday, has been suspended by UEFA for celebrating with a gesture associated with Turkish right-wing extremist group Grey Wolves.
Tens of thousands of Turkish and Dutch fans are enjoying a hot sunny day in the German capital ahead of the game despite the political tension hanging over it.
Germany's Interior Minister Nancy Faeser warned "the symbols of Turkish right-wing extremists have no place in our stadiums".
Turkey then summoned the German ambassador on Wednesday over politicians' reactions to Demiral's celebration, with the player insisting he was just showing "Turkish pride".
Turkey's Sports Minister Osman Askin Bak claimed the ban "has no legal basis and that we consider it to be purely political".
Erdogan himself has said Demiral was just "showing his excitement".
Turkey will be roared on by passionate fans who have turned all their matches, in an unexpected run to the last eight, into a mass of red and white in stadiums around the country.
Germany is home to nearly three million people with Turkish roots.
One of the hallmarks of their wins so far has been celebrations across Germany and beyond with fans tooting their car horns into the night.
"When we win the match against the Netherlands... maybe we won't need to bother our Austrian neighbours and friends with horns, unnecessary noise and ruckus -- we can celebrate more quietly and calmly," said Turkey's ambassador to Austria, Ozan Ceyhan.
It is unlikely his plea for moderation will be heeded should Vincenzo Montella's side reach the semi-finals for just the second time. However the Dutch are the favourites to make the last four for the first time since Euro 2004.