Turkey vs. the Netherlands - Erdogan, wolf salute, ban: more than just a soccer match
On paper, in the football EM match between the Netherlands and Turkey, it's about making it to the semi-finals. However, this Saturday's (21:00 hours/RTL and MagentaTV) quarter-final carries much more intensity - and it's not just about sports reasons.
Wolf's Greeting Controversy
The two-match ban for Merih Demiral due to his controversial Wolf's Greeting gesture has left traces in the Turkish team and among fans. "This pre-judged and unfair decision has deeply disappointed our entire nation," said Federation President Mehmet Büyükeksi in a statement. The reaction? Accusations of double morals - and defiance. "This won't dampen our pride," said Coach Vincenzo Montella: "We will even be more passionate and prouder."
Erdogan's Appearance
The spontaneous visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan raises the stakes even higher. The fact that no meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) is planned suggests that Erdogan's journey may also be a reaction to the German debate about the "Grey Wolves." In Turkey, the ultranationalist MHP is their political representation and alliance partner of the Islamo-conservative AKP led by President Erdogan. "I hope this whole thing is settled on Saturday," said Erdogan, "when we leave the pitch as winners and move on to the next round."
Turkey's Home Game
Given the approximately 200,000 people with Turkish roots living in Berlin, Turkey expects a 'home game' feeling. However, Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman is not worried about this. "I think it will be nice to play in such an atmosphere," he said: "We just need to keep the ball and they will calm down."
Police Deployment
"It's a 'Nonplusultra-High-Risk Game,'" said Benjamin Jendro, spokesperson for the Police Union Berlin, to the German Press Agency. Around 3000 officers might be in action. Not only the known hotspots, but also numerous other venues need to be secured due to the large Turkish community in Berlin. With the Wolf's Greeting controversy heating up the mood even further. The influential fan group Ultraslan from traditional club Galatasaray announced on Instagram that they couldn't wait "tomorrow as thousands of Grey Wolves in Berlin and as millions in the world to give an answer to this arrogance."
- Despite the controversy surrounding Merih Demiral's 'Wolf's Greeting' gesture, which led to a two-match ban, the Turkish soccer team remains determined to win the quarterfinals against the Netherlands.
- The upcoming soccer game between the Netherlands and Turkey in the European Football Championship is more than just a sports event; it's a political and emotional battleground for both nations.
- Berlin, as the host city for the quarterfinals, is anticipating a 'home game' atmosphere for Turkey due to their large Turkish community.
- Vincenzo Montella, the Turkish soccer team coach, has expressed his team's defiance in the face of criticism, stating that they will be even more passionate and proud during the game.
- The presence of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the quarterfinals adds an extra layer of tension, especially given the controversy over the 'Grey Wolves.'
- The police in Berlin are preparing for a 'Nonplusultra-High-Risk Game,' with around 3,000 officers expected to be deployed to secure various venues and maintain order.
- The Ultraslan fan group from traditional club Galatasaray has publicly announced their anticipation for the game, expressing their hope to give a powerful response to the controversial 'Wolf's Greeting.'
- The outcome of this game in the European Football Championship quarterfinals between the Netherlands and Turkey could have significant implications, not just for the soccer world, but also for Germany and Turkey's political and diplomatic relations.
