The match between Besiktas and Antalyaspor at the Vodafone Park on Sunday was a memorable one as the home fans threw soft toys on the pitch to donate to children affected by the earthquake.
Earlier this month, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake had hit parts of Turkey and Syria, causing loss of many lives and properties, including that of Ghanaian superstar Christian Atsu, who played for Turkish Super Lig side Hatayspor before his untimely demise.
The match was halted after four minutes and 17 seconds in reference to the actual time the first earthquake struck Turkey and Syria at 04:17 on February 6. Fans then began to throw down the toys from their stands, with aim of handing them over to children affected by the catastrophic disaster.
Good Afternoon to everyone, especially the fans of Beşiktaş and the people of 🇹🇷❤️ pic.twitter.com/sYRQKZyQsT
— FG (@ThisIsFG_) February 27, 2023
“Our fans organized a meaningful event called ‘This toy is my friend’ during the match in order to give morale to the children affected by the earthquake,” Besiktas said.
“The fans threw scarves, berets and plush toys to be given as a gift to the children in the earthquake region.”
Prior to the commencement of the game, Besiktas players warmed up in tops brandished with the names of the country’s southern cities affected by the earthquakes, which was immediately followed by a pre-match ceremony held and after which fans commended the search and rescue officers present at the match.
Turkish defender Tayyib Talha Sanuc revealed how important the emotional gesture was while praying for better days ahead.
He said: “There are more important things than football. We are going through difficult times as a country. Together we will heal the wounds.
“Our fans held a meaningful event – I was very touched. I hope we never experience such a disaster again.”
According to latest reports from Al-Jazeera, more than 50,000 people have died after the earthquakes.
