Turkey and the Netherlands are set to face off in a highly anticipated Euro 2024 quarter-final match on Saturday, despite a diplomatic row between Turkey and Germany.
The match, which will take place at Berlin’s Olympiastadion, has been overshadowed by a controversy surrounding Turkish defender Merih Demiral’s two-match ban for celebrating with a gesture associated with Turkish right-wing extremist group Grey Wolves.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to attend the match, amidst tensions between Turkey and Germany. UEFA’s decision to ban Demiral has been met with criticism from Turkey, with Sports Minister Osman Askin Bak claiming the ban “has no legal basis and that we consider it to be purely political”.
Despite the controversy, Turkey’s team will be supported by tens of thousands of fans, who have been a driving force behind their unexpected run to the quarter-finals. The team will be looking to reach the semi-finals of a European Championship for only the second time.
Meanwhile, England will face Switzerland in the other quarter-final match, with hopes of ending a 58-year wait to win a major tournament
