Turkey appeal Volkan ban

Turkish National Team have launched an appeal after goalkeeper Volkan Demirel was given a two-match suspension following his red card at the end of the 3-2 win over Czech Republic.



The Turkish football federation has also been handed a �33,400 fine due to the "improper conduct of supporters, players and officials" during and after that game.


Turkey produced an astounding comeback to reach the quarter-finals in their final group game after the Czech Republic took a 2-0 lead.


But there was an unfortunate end to the game as Volkan pushed Czech striker Jan Koller to the ground, forcing Middlesbrough forward Tuncay Sanli to take over in goal for the final minutes.


Turkey held on to progress to the quarter-finals, but not without further incident - Volkan retired to the bench rather than the dressing room after his red card, approximately 25 unaccredited individuals made their way into the dressing room after the match, and some Turkish fans attempted a pitch invasion.


But while the federation is not expected to appeal the fine, Uefa should hear an appeal against Volkan's suspension on Thursday morning - one day before Turkey take on Croatia in the quarter-finals.


Turkey coach Fatih Terim has indicated that veteran goalkeeper Rustu Recber will play if the appeal is rejected.

Rustu Recber back in Turkey Goal

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Veteran Turkish goalkeeper Rustu Recber is set to replace the suspended Volkan Demirel in goal for Turkey's Euro 2008 quarter-final against Croatia on Friday in Vienna, coach Fatih Terim revealed on Monday.

The 35-year-old Besiktas Keeper will win his 117th cap as Demirel has been suspended following his sending off in time added on of Turkey's epic come from behind 3-2 victory over Czech Republic in their final Group A match on Sunday, which saw the Turks progress at the expense of the Czechs to the last eight.

Rustu is one of the two surviving members of the Turkey side that reached the 2002 World Cup semi-finals.

It was also revealed on Monday that Turkish defender Emre Gungor is doubtful for the quarter-final, as the 23-year-old Galatasaray star suffered a calf injury during the Czech match.

There are doubts too over fellow defenders Servet Cetin and Gokhan Zan, who are also injured.

Turkish midfielder Mehmet Aurelio is definitely out as the 30-year-old Brazilian-born player picked up a second booking in the Czech match.

TURKISH GOALKEEPER VOLKAN BANNED FOR TWO GAMES

Turkey goalkeeper Volkan Demirel was banned for two matches Wednesday after being sent off against the Czech Republic last week at the European Championship.

Demirel will miss the quarterfinal game against Croatia on Friday at Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna. The goalkeeper was sent off in the final minute of Turkey's 3-2 win in Group A on Sunday in Geneva for knocking down striker Jan Koller. He then sat on the team's bench in breach of FIFA rules.

The Turkish football federation was also fined 44,000 Swiss francs (€27,000; US$42,000) for improper conduct of its fans, players and officials.

"The sanction of the 44,000 (fine) and the two-match suspension for the Turkey goalkeeper was linked to the fact that after getting a red card, he sat on the bench when he was supposed to be out of the technical area," UEFA spokesman William Gaillard said. "And we had some problems with some Turkish fans trying to enter the pitch, and also the presence of about 25 unaccredited people after the game in the Turkish dressing room."

Demirel and the federation have 24 hours to appeal the ban and fine.

TUMER METIN BACK BUT SERVET &EMRE QUESTIONABLE

Turkey midfielder Tumer Metin, who missed the dramatic 3-2 win over Czech Republic with a groin strain, resumed light training on Tuesday.

The slim possibility of Tumer's return for the quarter-final against Croatia in Vienna on Friday gave a boost to coach Fatih Terim whose team has been hit with injuries and suspensions.


'There is a tiny chance that Tumer will be fit, but I think he will probably miss the game,' said a team spokesman who on Monday told reporters Tumer would definitely miss the game.

However, captain Emre Belozoglu, who has a hamstring problem, and Servet Cetin did miss training in Krems.

'Both are still doubtful for the quarter-final and we don't know if they'll be able to make training tomorrow,' said the spokesman. The players were at the hotel having physiotherapy.

Emre Gungor, who was carried off in the second half of Sunday's thrilling Group A victory over the Czechs, has a calf strain and will miss the rest of the finals.

To add to Turkey's woes, goalkeeper Volkan Demirel is out of the quarter-final after being sent off for shoving forward Jan Koller in an off-the-ball incident in injury time.

Defensive midfielder Mehmet Aurelio is also suspended after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament.

Source :Reuters

DOES FATIH TERIM NEED A BODY GUARD?

Fatih Terim, head coach of the national soccer team of Turkey, center, is escorted by his body guard, right, as he leaves a hotel following a press conference in Geneva, Switzerland, Monday, June 16, 2008. Turkey is in group A at the Euro 2008 European Soccer Championships in Austria and Switzerland.
(AP Photo)

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TURKISH MEDIA GOES OVERBOARD WITH THE WIN

Turkish newspapers on Monday held little back in celebrating the Turkish national team's dramatic 3-2 victory over the Czech Republic at Euro 2008. "We kiss you for what you have taken," read the main headline of Hurriyet, Turkey's biggest selling newspaper.

"Turkey is drunk on victory... Again we have made it to Vienna" the paper said, referring to the site of its quarterfinal against Croatia and the 1529 Ottoman siege of Vienna.

Turkey rallied from 2-0 down to win the group A game in Geneva in the final 15 minutes.

"Check out", read the headline in Yeni Safak, one of many newspapers to play on the English and Turkish double meanings.

"The emperor's magic", Sabah newspaper said, referring to the nickname Turkish newspapers use for coach Fatih Terim.

Sabah said the victory was the most important in Terim's career, adding that he had been under severe pressure from football writers who had criticised his tactics in previous matches.

INJURIES AND SUSPENSIONS WILL BE PROBLEM

Turkey might be through to the quarter-finals at the European Football Championship but the team is not in great shape for their first playoff match against Croatia.

After amazing come from behind win over the Czech Republic in their final pool match yesterday, Turkey have seven players injured or suspended ahead of Saturday's quarter-final.

The central defender Emre Gungor might miss the rest of the championship because of a calf muscle injury, and their goalkeeper Volkan Demirel will miss the Croatia match after being sent off yesterday.