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Turkey have secured a spot in the UEFA European Championship quarterfinals for the first time since 2008.
On the back of sealing second place in the Group F, Vincenzo Montella’s team produced a gutsy performance in the first knockout stage, as they edged out a 2-1 victory over Austria.
Defender Merih Demiral was the key men on the night for Montella’s Turkey, with two goals and a commanding defensive performance. However, despite his on-pitch heroics, Demiral was caught up in controversy after the match, with UEFA investigating a gesture he made towards fans inside the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig.
MORE: Euro 2024 full schedule of matches and latest results, updated LIVE
What did Merih Demiral do?
The Al-Ahli centre-back celebrated his second goal with a “wolf salute”, a gesture which is associated with a far-right extremist group called the Grey Wolves. They are linked to Turkey’s ruling coalition party the National Movement Party.
The salute is banned in both France and Austria but Demiral admitted post-game that he had planned to perform the celebration if he scored.
🇹🇷 Ne mutlu Türküm diyene! pic.twitter.com/4K3kVPFxgW
— Merih Demiral (@Merihdemiral) July 2, 2024
“I am very proud because I am a Turk, therefore after the goal I felt it deeply and I wanted to do it, and I am very happy about doing it.”
On the back of the incident, UEFA opened up an investigation in accordance with Article 31(4) in relation to the “alleged inappropriate behaviour” by Demiral.
Is Merih Demiral suspended vs. Netherlands?
UEFA have confirmed two significant suspension updates ahead of Saturday’s quarterfinals, with England star Jude Bellingham escaping an immediate ban, following his crotch-grabbing gesture in the Three Lions’ victory over Slovakia.
However, UEFA have taken a tougher stance on Demiral, with an immediate two-game ban issued. It means he will now miss the quarterfinal clash with the Netherlands and a potential semifinal for Turkey, should they make it through.
When is Turkey vs. Netherlands? Date and time of Euro 2024 quarterfinal
Turkey are in action in their quarterfinal with the Netherlands on July 6, at 9.pm. local time in Germany.
This is how those times translate to major territories around the globe:
| Date | Time | |
| USA | Sat, July 6 | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| Canada | Sat, July 6 | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| UK | Sat, July 6 | 8:00 p.m. BST |
| Australia | Sun, July 7 | 5:00 a.m. AEST |
| India | Sun, July 7 | 12:30 a.m. IST |
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