A referee paused Turkish Super Lig match between Besiktas and Antalyaspor after 4 and 17 seconds to allow the donations. The quake first hit Turkey on 6 February at 0417 local time and has caused extensive damage to the region.
The death toll from the earthquake exceeded 50,000, with Ghana winger Christian Atsu being found dead on 18 February underneath the building where he lived in southern Turkey. Besiktas fans decided to help the children affected by the earthquake by donating soft toys onto the pitch during the game.
The heartwarming gesture is a fitting example of Turkish citizens’ compassion for those in need and an excellent demonstration of the power of football to bring people together. The fans donated toys to the Besiktas Foundation, an organization that supports children affected by the earthquake.
The foundation will use the toys to bring some joy and comfort to the children in the region. The Besiktas Foundation also runs various other projects that aim to improve the lives of those affected by the earthquake. These projects include providing needy people with food, shelter, and medical aid. Besiktas released a statement:
“Our fans threw scarves, berets and plush toys on the ground of Vodafone Park to be given as a gift to the children in the earthquake region to cheer them up.”
The selflessness of the Besiktas fans is a reminder that there is still hope in the world and it is possible to make a difference. This gesture of kindness will no doubt bring comfort and joy to the children in the earthquake region and is an inspiring example of how powerful the bond between football and its fans can be.