Turkish fans demand Montella's sack ahead of Red Devils clash
Turkish supporters erupted in chaos at the Bursa stadium after the national side were thrashed 1‑4 by Italy, shouting for the dismissal of national team coach Vincenzo Montella and federation president İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu ahead of their upcoming clash with the Red Devils (Rode Duivels).
Fans' protest erupts in Bursa
Fans unleashed a series of whistle concerts aimed at the players, the coach and the president, and the latter left the arena before the final whistle. Turkish media reported that the protest was so extreme the president exited the stadium early. The atmosphere turned into a full‑scale uproar.
Merih Demiral later apologised, saying: “We must say sorry to our supporters. We are ashamed of our performance and have little more to add.”
Bondscoach Montella argued that the early whistles were deserved because his side’s first‑half display was far below Italy’s level. He said the team must analyse the opening half, learn the lesson and retain confidence. He added that the three goals conceded in the first 27 minutes reflected a lack of intensity.
Montella refuses to quit
“I, step down? No, I believe in the work we have done,” Montella told reporters. “I stayed with Turkey even when other offers appeared, and I still believe in the boys, I stand behind them.”
According to Turkish media, an emergency meeting was held at the federation on Monday night to decide the coach’s future. The question now is whether Montella will sit on the bench on Friday at Sclessin for the match against Belgium. Frank Dekeyser of Voetbal noted the Laatste update at 08:53, confirming the uncertainty.
Turkey’s next opponent will be the Red Devils, and the pressure on Montella grows each day. Mark van Bommel, Belgium’s head coach, observed that his side no longer hides in a bunker, adding, “Did everything go perfectly? No. But they entertained.”
Analysts continue to search for the strength of a potential Euro surprise from Turkey, with one comment that “these boys fight together as a unit.”