The National Football Team was defeated 1-0 by France in Kocaeli in their first match of the UEFA Nations League A Group 1. Following the match, national defender Merih Demiral evaluated both the defeat and the controversial red card decision in the game.
Demiral stated that they started the second half well but that the game became difficult after conceding the goal. The national footballer emphasized that despite the team being reduced to 10 men, they could still have found scoring opportunities, and added that they would focus on the remainder of the group stage.
We are very sad. We didn't get what we deserved from the match. We started the second half very well. Unfortunately, we conceded the goal. We were left with 10 men, but we could still have scored. We have 3 matches ahead of us. We will get the best out of them and continue on our path.
Reacting to the red card decision, Demiral argued that the referee was not sure about the incident. The national footballer, who believes the decision was incorrect despite the VAR review, expressed that the French players pressured the referee.
I went to the referee. The referee wasn't sure either. He watched it on VAR, but he said it was 50-50. It wasn't a red card. It was a simple thing. The French like to talk; they influenced the referee. We put up the necessary fight. We are very sad.
News Source: 12punto
