Fenerbahçe supporters are not welcome on Saturday when the Turkish club visits Kayserispor. In the game against Konyaspor (4-0 win), fans of the club sang songs about the Turkish government, which they would rather see go. The province of Kayseri says it is for “security considerations”. Fenerbahçe does not agree with the decision and is not pleased with the way things are going.
The number two of the Süper Lig has stated in a reaction that he disagrees with the decision. “We absolutely cannot accept this decision. This has nothing to do with sporting reasons. Fenerbahçe has fans all over the country,” the club said. “They have the right to attend our matches.”
Massive respect to Fenerbahce fans. “Lies, lies, lies, you’ve been in charge for 20 years, it’s time to resign!” In Turkish, we talk of a “wall of fear”. It has been demolished.pic.twitter.com/nyHAOwuExB
— Can Okar (@canokar) February 25, 2023
Kayserispor agrees with the decision. The club is clear in the statement about the ‘low’ chants that can be heard in several stadiums. “The Kayserispor community stands with the state and the nation, shares in the pain we feel in these catastrophic times, opposes and condemns the dirty political games and base speech that dominate the stadiums.”
The timing of football supporters to criticize the government is not remarkable. Due to the slow relief during the earthquakes, the government is under great pressure. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan asked Monday for “forgiveness” in the affected area for the government’s slow response. “Unfortunately, in the days following the earthquake, we were unable to mount efficient search and rescue efforts,” Erdogan said.