Last weekend, at Turkey’s biggest derby, held amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the most widespread disaster we’ve ever experienced, at least 2,000 fans were accommodated in the lodges with a code number, using the permission of healthcare workers, the pandemic’s greatest warriors and a sacred place in our lives. Among these fans were some fanatics who, throughout the game, hurled unspeakable insults at every element of the opposing team. The federation president says, “We conducted a trial,” while the Fenerbahçe president remains silent on the events. This derby clearly demonstrated why Turkish soccer is declining.
This uncontrolled ambition is the cancer of the land we live in. You can observe the fanaticism fueled by this uncontrolled ambition in both Turkey’s wealthiest families and its poorest neighborhoods. This mindset, which defies reason and logic and constantly yearns for ego gratification, “I want it my way, let my words be heard, let my team win,” lives by the mindset that “any means is permissible to achieve my goal.” This harms them, their close circle, and then, in ripple effects, the entire country.
A complete fiasco!
We recently witnessed the most striking example of what I’m saying during last weekend’s derby. The derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe, two of Turkey’s biggest teams, was a complete fiasco. The derby, played at Fenerbahçe’s home turf, was particularly fraught with tensions rising with claims that “we always beat Galatasaray at our home turf.”
The events unfolded as follows: Fenerbahçe fans, who entered the game behind closed doors with the permission of healthcare workers and chanting Fenerbahçe’s founding year of 1907, were packed into the lodges. Since the exact number isn’t known, we’re willing to assume at least 2,000 fans. When this large crowd of fans was packed into the small rooms we call lodges, the following scene unfolded:
Throughout the game, this fanatical fanbase chanted unspeakable insults at Galatasaray’s manager, Fatih Terim, his coaching staff, the players, and Galatasaray itself. We all heard these insults and chants on television. The incidents continued after the game. Fenerbahçe’s cheerleader, Nicknamed ‘Rambo,’ Okan attacked Galatasaray’s manager, Abdurrahim Albayrak, as he was preparing to give an interview. When he was pulled away by security, realizing what was about to happen (he committed a crime, and there’s a serious penalty), he began to cry and whine, “They beat me up so bad.”
As if nothing had happened, the Fenerbahçe management and fans took it upon themselves to accept the fact that thousands of fans had illegally taken their seats in the stands, shouting insults, and their cheerleaders were attacking the Galatasaray manager; Their repetition of their disallowed goals and Galatasaray’s post-game celebrations demonstrates the gravity of the situation.
The federation president also commented on all these incidents on a sports channel (see: https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/sporarena/tff-baskani-nihat-ozdemirden-derbi-aciklamasi-41735018 ):
“There were 150 healthcare workers in the stands at the Fenerbahçe-Galatasaray derby who had received the COVID-19 vaccine. This practice was a trial run specifically for the derby. However, due to the negative events that occurred during the game, we will not repeat it. People come to the stadium and curse. Isn’t it shameful? We have representative reports regarding what happened at the derby. We will refer those responsible to the Disciplinary Board on Monday. We will never hesitate to impose penalties, whether they are clubs or individuals.”
A penalty that fails to deter
Following this speech, the Federation issued the following penalty to Fenerbahçe (see: https://www.sabah.com.tr/spor/futbol/2021/02/11/son-dakika-pfdkdan-fenerbahceye-para-cezasi ):
The Professional Soccer Disciplinary Board (PFDK) imposed a fine of 96,000 TL in total: 72,000 TL for the field incidents caused by Fenerbahçe fans and members during the Fenerbahçe- Galatasaray game, and 24,000 TL for violating instructions by not complying with the mask-wearing obligation.
They asked the Federation President and the federation they govern:
1) Did you decide to conduct the trial of 150 healthcare workers during the Fenerbahçe-Galatasaray game? Apart from this game, you had the chance to try it out in at least 30 other games, including the Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe derby played at Galatasaray’s stadium. Why was the Fenerbahçe-Galatasaray game, played at Fenerbahçe’s stadium, specifically chosen for the trial?
2) Why did you decide to cancel it immediately after this game? In my opinion, real healthcare workers deserve this kind of motivation. Besides, people dedicated to saving lives wouldn’t swear so recklessly.
3) Why were there thousands of people in the stands, far more than 150?
4) Do you think 72,000 TL for field incidents caused by thousands of fans swearing is a deterrent?
5) What kind of logic is there in forcing thousands of Fenerbahçe fans to watch a game while healthcare workers risk their lives doing their jobs? Many of these fans weren’t wearing masks. Some even pulled their masks down to swear freely.
6) Isn’t it unfair to impose a ridiculous fine of 72,000 TL on those who allowed thousands of fans to chant unspeakable obscenities in open spaces throughout the game, while giving Galatasaray’s Arda, who chanted obscene words without mentioning anyone in his own locker room, a two-game ban and a 13,000 TL fine? By the way, I’d like to point out that I don’t condone Arda’s actions. He was also shameful. However, when you compare these two situations, there’s a serious injustice.
Where is the state?
Another striking issue is that the state takes no action in an environment where it immediately intervenes when a public incident occurs. Okay, we understand the Federation. The Federation’s president is a Fenerbahçe fan, the board is overwhelmingly Fenerbahçe, and they’re issuing a nominal fine of 72,000 TL to Fenerbahçe, which allowed over 2,000 fans into the stadium. But where are the security forces and our state, which are issuing strict fines to individuals who raided numerous venues for not wearing masks? As an example, I’m sharing two news articles about recent fines:
In February, police in Konya raided an unlicensed alcohol-serving venue, issuing administrative fines of 97,200 lira to 24 people, including women, for violating mask requirements and social distancing. Legal action was also initiated against the business owner, E.C., for “breaking the seal” and pursuant to Article 195 of the Turkish Penal Code.
Where does our state, which fined 24 people 97,200 lira, compare to Fenerbahçe, which packs over 2,000 people into small rooms like lodges?
- İrem Derici’s mask fine: https://www.cnnturk.com/magazin/maskesiz-piknik-yapan-irem-dericiye-para-cezasi?page=1
Why didn’t the Kadıköy District Governor’s Office, which fined singer İrem Derici 4,369 lira for picnicking with friends on Caddebostan Beach, take any action regarding the crowding of over 2,000 fans into the stadium boxes at Fenerbahçe Stadium? Do the rules imposed by the state only apply to individuals like İrem Derici who will not harm themselves?
Ali Koç’s attitude and question marks
When Ali Koç was elected president, I wrote an article titled “Friendly advice for Ali Koç.” You can find this article at https://www.serhansuzer.com/tr/ali-koca-dost-tavsiyeleri . Much water has passed under the bridge since then, and unfortunately, none of the recommendations and wishes in this article have been realized. In this game, Ali Koç continued his mistakes, even exacerbating them. When you look at Ali Koç’s evaluation of the game, he didn’t even mention these grave incidents, as if they had never happened. Instead, we listened with astonishment to his fixation on a goal that wasn’t offside according to Fenerbahçe fans, but was offside according to the computer system and to those outside of Fenerbahçe, and the Galatasaray soccer team’s celebration at the end of the game (see: https://www.fenerbahce.org/haberler/futbol/2021-tr/2/baskanimiz-ali-koc-galatasaray-macinin-ardindan-konustu ). They would ask Ali Koç the following:
1) Who is the manager responsible for the stadium?
2) With whom did this manager organize this (entering with the 1907 password)?
3) Were you aware of this organization?
4) If so, why didn’t you prevent it, befitting a Fenerbahçe president?
5) Or are you unable to control your own managers? 6) Weren’t you disturbed by the insults being hurled right next to you? Is this what Fenerbahçe’s image should be like?
Uncontrolled ambition and petty calculations
After experiencing all this, do you understand why Turkish soccer is constantly declining? Turkish soccer won’t make any progress with a mindset whose sole purpose in life is to become a champion and that all means are justified. What happened in this game is nothing more than the petty calculations of people with uncontrolled ambition. The plan is simple:
Fraud a crowd capable of serious cheering. They’ll then use profanity to provoke tension and demoralize the opposing team. They’ll satisfy their own egos (thinking we’re the ones insulting people like that). This will give their team an advantage.
I have many friends who support Fenerbahçe. I’m sure those with common sense are disturbed by these events. It’s time for them to speak out more, and they should react to these events and strive to bring their team to reason.
The Vision That Needs to Be Established
This applies not just to Fenerbahçe fans, but to all teams. Instead of trying every possible way to win a single game or win a championship, it’s necessary to develop a long-term plan and present a vision. I’ve written many articles about Turkish soccer. I discussed this vision in my article “The Unchanging Defeat of Turkish Soccer” (https://www.serhansuzer.com/tr/turk-futbolunun-degismeyen-ezikligi ). I’ve listed the necessary steps below, without adding any explanations. You can read the details by clicking the link to the article if you’d like:
1) Master Plan
2) Communication
3) Infrastructure
4) Economic Situation
5) Merit
6) Education
7) Attendance
8) Club and federation executives are assigned presidency for a certain period.
9) Correct transfers.
10) Technical Director.
The reason I’ve written so much about Turkish soccer stems from my love for my country. Turkish soccer isn’t just a sport; it’s also a reflection of the country. The more we develop and create an atmosphere of love instead of hatred, the more we can see this reflected in our country.
Note:
- Ali Koç: After I wrote this article, the Fenerbahçe President made statements regarding the Fenerbahçe-Galatasaray derby. Let me quote this right away (see: https://www.sozcu.com.tr/spor/futbol/ali-koctan-mustafa-cengize-yalan-iftira-ve-algi-6258742/) He says, “I will not respond to Mustafa Cengiz’s statements. These people, these grown men, are full of lies and slander. They have been talking almost every day for a week, targeting our club. We cannot deal with this. They are conducting a massive campaign of lies, slander, and perception management. May they rest in peace. Don’t let them think we will not respond. When the time comes, the relevant colleagues will speak with documents. If this mentality persists, there will be no friendship or brotherhood in Turkish soccer. We will continue as a marginalized country.”
And he continues. “They even gave Arda Turan a small salary. I won’t delve into these debates right now. I’m trying not to get into this at the risk of being criticized by the fans. I implore you, there are very serious accusations. These allegations need to be investigated. Was it blasphemy? Did we let 3,000 people in? We will answer these questions. Let them calm down. I implore you. The greatest sin in our religion is slander. Investigate the allegations of these great men.”
Then, as if asking for help from the state, he says: “They’re even placing our state’s distinguished institutions under suspicion. We respect life to a certain extent. We have done so until now. My colleagues involved will soon give the answer they deserve. They’re shameful. We know they thrive on chaos. They can’t benefit anyone.”
After this interview, I’d like to say the following to Ali Koç:
- a) Galatasaray SK is speaking with documents in hand. Photos and videos taken at the stadium can easily determine how many people attended. We’ve all heard the curses and chants on our televisions. I’m wondering, “How can you deny these concrete facts?”
- b) You make statements about even the smallest incident during the game, and why hasn’t there been any explanation for this fan organization? If you had nothing to hide, you would have immediately told the truth after the game and prevented any harm. Now you’re waiting because you’re frantically debating among yourselves how to justify the wrongdoing, trying to defend and save yourself by creating a scenario that doesn’t even exist. This has nothing to do with gaslighting.
- c) One of the most ingrained bad habits in Turkish society is not admitting one’s mistakes. To the point where no one has the courage to say, “I made a mistake, I’m sorry, it won’t happen again.” In Japanese society, the situation is the exact opposite. They recognize the wisdom and wisdom of apologizing, and they are greatly admired by those who apologize. We, on the other hand, see this as weakness, and like a “wicked thief suppresses the home team,” they launch an attack and try to intimidate and intimidate the opposition. Fenerbahçe’s constant rehashing of Arda’s anonymous profanity-laced chants in his own locker room demonstrates this very attitude.
- d) As Fenerbahçe President, you are the one who harms the atmosphere of camaraderie and brotherhood the most. You create that atmosphere in the stadium, yet you claim, “We know they thrive on chaos” How could you allow what happened in this stadium? Why do you still maintain this “guilty and powerful” attitude? Turkish soccer has suffered greatly from Aziz Yıldırım. Unfortunately, you are on your way to becoming a poor replica of him.
- Metin Sipahioğlu: After Ali Koç said in his latest speech that his colleagues would give the necessary response, a Fenerbahçe manager named Metin Sipahioğlu, whose name I’d never heard of before, appeared on FB TV and hosted an interesting program. Wanting to appear supremely confident, he uttered numerous lies, looking the nation straight in the eye. This is the attitude of those who lie freely. They first convince themselves of the lies, and then they passionately perpetuate them. Each of these false statements can be addressed individually. However, the one that struck me most among his lies was his statement, “The police determined there were 250 people,” and his sharing of the image below, which mocks our minds:
I’m also sharing this image for your comparison:
I wonder if I’ve made myself clear.
Instead of constantly poking fun at Galatasaray, always trying to justify your failures and using the “all means are justified” mentality, I advise you to focus on your team playing good soccer and achieving success. Otherwise, with managers like yours, Turkish sports will regress, and you will only further strain an already tense country. Do your job right and honestly, put aside your Galatasaray obsession and focus on your own team.
Tag: culture
