"Sports Violence" in Greece and Türkiye

In all "positive" discussions about Türkiye and Greece, the focus often goes beyond being neighbors, delving into their socio-cultural similarities.

Any "positive" conversation between a Turk and a Greek covers common points ranging from baklava to stuffed peppers, from matches to coffee.

The passion for sports in both countries is also well-known. Measures have even been taken for a long time to prevent the national teams of the two countries from facing each other.

Can Turkish flags wave at the Athens Olympic Stadium? Or can Greek flags wave at the Istanbul Ataturk Olympic Stadium?

Finding a definite answer to these questions is still impossible. However, Greek football players can play for Turkish teams (they pay well), the head coach of Fenerbahçe basketball team is Greek, while the head coach of Panathinaikos basketball team is Turkish.

Well, as they say in soft diplomacy, there are "slow" progressions.

We cannot overlook the fact that if the way were open for successful athletes from the Turkish minority in Western Thrace to participate in various sports, we would have many athletes representing our national teams today. This is another aspect of the reality that no one can deny.

Now!

It is common knowledge that Greece has a "problem" with racism and xenophobia. You know!

Who is Greek, who is Turkish, who is considered a foreigner is determined not by the individuals themselves but by bureaucrats and state officials, just like the claim that "there are no Turks in Western Thrace."

On the other hand, successful athletes from Albania, Georgia, and even many African countries are declared Greek citizens, especially if they are Christians, by the mere fact of excelling in their respective sports.

Don't be surprised... that's how "democracy" works in this country.

Athletes like weightlifter Kakhi Kakhiashvili, volleyball player Mirela Manjani, basketball player Sofoklis Schortsanitis, and the Antetokounmpo brothers are immediately granted Greek citizenship and declared Greek. Let them be Greek! At least they can be successful and serve as examples in sports.

Anyway! Now, let's focus on the shared passion for sports in both countries and examine the developments that are becoming frightening and dangerous, leading to "vandalism."

Greece has been grappling with hooliganism for many years. Attacks by fanatic supporters resulting in deaths continue unabated. While trying to bring the brutality on the field under control, fights among fans around the stadium and clashes between fans and police in the narrow streets of major cities cannot be stopped.

A few days ago, before a volleyball match, a clash between fans and the police resulted in a police officer being seriously injured and taken to the hospital. His condition is reported to be serious. Everyone condemns the incident, everyone tries to blame each other, but the situation cannot be rectified. Fans complain about the police, and the police complain about the fans. Teams blame referees. In short, everyone is right!

But it is happening to those young people.

It's a pity, a great pity.

After the most recent incident of police aggression, which may not be the last (hopefully it will be), the Greek Football Federation announced that matches will be played without spectators until February 12, 2024. Almost two and a half months. Our hope is that during this two and a half months, radical and serious measures will be taken to prevent such incidents from happening again.

Just as we were following the negative developments in Greek sports, a "blow" came from Türkiye.

After the Ankaragücü-Rizespor match, Ankaragücü president Faruk Koca punched referee Halil Umut Meler in the middle of the field, in front of thousands of spectators and millions of television viewers. Referee Meler fell to the ground. In the meantime, others continued to kick the referee, who was trying to protect himself on the ground.

The punch thrown by Faruk Koca to the referee was considered a "blow" to Turkish sports.

Matches were canceled indefinitely. Three people, including the president involved in the incident, were arrested.

From President Tayyip Erdoğan to many relevant ministers, statements were made and condemnations were issued. The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) announced that radical decisions would be made on this matter. In short, the sports community in Turkey is experiencing hectic hours, and it seems that lively days are ahead. Of course, we also condemn a club president attacking a referee like a thug. We eagerly await the penalties and measures to be taken. Sports terrorism must come to an end.

With the hope of taking fundamental measures in both countries, may sports continue in the framework of friendship, brotherhood, and peace...

Hoping to convey similarities and positive developments in good deeds, not in bad events...