Besiktas president’s driver arrested for attacking journalist after derby
A Spor journalist Emre Kaplan receives medical attention after reportedly being assaulted following the Galatasaray-Besiktas derby in Istanbul, Türkiye, October 28, 2024. (Photo via X)
The intense Galatasaray-Besiktas derby, ending with Galatasaray’s 2-1 victory, turned violent outside the stadium.
Tensions peaked when Sezgin Gulnar, driver of Besiktas President Hasan Arat, allegedly attacked A Spor journalist Emre Kaplan. Police detained Gulnar, who now faces legal proceedings.
Kaplan, covering the 10th week of the Trendyol Super Lig, suffered injuries to his nose and cheek. Emergency responders transported him to the hospital, where X-rays confirmed facial trauma. Following Kaplan’s complaint, police swiftly identified and arrested Gulnar.
Türkiye’s justice minister, sports minister condemn Besiktas president’s driver
Türkiye’s officials reacted strongly to the incident. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc condemned the attack on social media, wishing Kaplan a swift recovery. He noted that the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office had begun a judicial investigation, emphasizing that “sports should symbolize friendship and unity.”
Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Askin Bak also criticized the violence. He stated, “Where there is sports, violence has no place,” calling for mutual respect among fans and officials, regardless of team colors.
Besiktas condemns assault, Galatasaray extends support to Kaplan
Besiktas Vice President Huseyin Yucel openly condemned the assault, saying, “I wish a quick recovery to our journalist friend. An incident like this is unacceptable.” He further commented that he, Feyyaz Ucar, and Onur Gocmez were in a press conference when the assault happened.
“We heard about the incident afterward, and I told Sezgin, ‘This is the biggest mistake he could make,’” Yucel remarked. He emphasized that incidents like these “overshadow the spirit of the game.”
Yucel also mentioned that he informed Besiktas President Arat, who acknowledged the situation and confirmed that his driver had turned himself in to the police.
Galatasaray Club expressed support for Kaplan in an official statement, extending “best wishes for a swift recovery” and condemning “all forms of violence at sports events.”
Authorities initiated immediate legal action against Gulnar under Türkiye’s laws against violence in sports. Officials banned him indefinitely from sports venues. Galatasaray Club publicly supported Kaplan, wishing him a swift recovery and condemning all forms of violence at sporting events.
