Cengiz Under’s LAFC transfer faces racist Armenian backlash over Turkish heritage
Turkish international Cengiz Under’s transfer to Los Angeles FC (LAFC) has attracted attention due to racist reaction from Armenian supporter group, Los Armenios. (Collage prepared by Türkiye Today)
Turkish international Cengiz Under’s transfer from Fenerbahce to Los Angeles FC (LAFC) has attracted attention, especially due to a reaction from LAFC’s Armenian supporter group, Los Armenios.
The group’s response to Under‘s arrival has been controversial, with some considering it racist, reflecting tensions tied to historical and political issues between Turks and Armenians.
Los Armeniens expressed their opposition to Under’s transfer, stating that it was disrespectful to the sentiments of the Armenian community.
Addressing the LAFC management, the group threatened that this transfer would cause great disappointment among Armenian supporters and could lead to a boycott of the team.
They urged LAFC to reconsider its decision and engage with the Armenian community.
Cengiz Under, on the other hand, addressed the controversy by stating that he believes in the unifying power of football and is happy to work alongside people from diverse ethnic backgrounds in Los Angeles.
Under expressed his hope that LAFC fans would recognize football as a sport that brings people together.
This incident once again highlights that football is more than just a game; it is a force that influences social and cultural dynamics.
While Under’s transfer to LAFC underscores football’s unifying nature, it also serves as a reminder that historical and cultural sensitivities must be taken into account.
Armenian diaspora in Los Angeles, its historical background
Los Angeles is home to the largest Armenian diaspora in the United States. As of 2016, approximately 200,000 Armenians reside in the Los Angeles area, making it not only the largest Armenian community in the U.S. but also one of the largest Armenian populations outside of Armenia.
The Armenian diaspora in the United States, particularly in Los Angeles, has formed a significant and influential community, often referred to as “Little Armenia.” The movement began in the 1830s, following the 1830 Trade Agreement between the United States and the Ottoman Empire, which enabled Armenians to acquire U.S. citizenship in substantial numbers.
This facilitated the establishment and organization of the Armenian community in America.
The Armenian community in Los Angeles has grown through multiple waves of migration, with the first major wave during The Events of 1915, when many fled the Ottoman Empire.
A second significant wave occurred during the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Influence of Armenian lobby, its consequences
The Armenian lobby in Los Angeles has historically been active in political and diplomatic efforts against Türkiye.
Advocating for the recognition of the so-called Armenian genocide, this lobby has exerted pressure on U.S. political mechanisms, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s, organizing large-scale events.
However, some of these activities have been linked to acts of terrorism against Türkiye.
Activities of JCAG, ASALA in Los Angeles
The Armenian diaspora in Los Angeles has been known not only for its cultural and political activities but also for its involvement in terrorist attacks targeting Türkiye.
These attacks have historically been linked to efforts to avenge the 1915 events, and Los Angeles has become one of the key locations for such activities.
Soghomon Tehliryan and Talat Pasha assassination
On March 15, 1921, Soghomon Tehlirian assassinated Talat Pasha, the de facto ruler of the late Ottoman Emire former, in Berlin. Tehlirian claimed that the murder was an act of revenge for the 1915 events.
Talat Pasha was held responsible for the deaths of Armenians during the 1915 events. Tehliryan, who lost much of his family during this time, had waited for years to take revenge.
Tehlirian was released and declared a hero in the eyes of the Armenians even though he was a known murderer.
The monument of Tehlirian was created in Fresno, United States, while the disgraceful murderer Tehlirian settled in Los Angeles, United States shortly after his trial and proceeded to live there as if nothing had happened.
The release of Tehlirian would further empower Armenian militants, and the subsequent attacks would be based on the precedent set by Tehlirian.
Armenian terrorist organizations Justice Commandos of the Armenian Genocide (JCAG) and the Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia (ASALA) carried out attacks against Turkish diplomats and representatives worldwide during the 1970s and 1980s. Los Angeles was a key location for these attacks.
- Jan. 27, 1973: Gourgen Yanikian assassinated Türkiye’s Consul General Mehmet Baydar and his aide Bahadir Demir at the Baltimore Hotel in Los Angeles. Yanikian claimed he carried out the attack as an act of revenge for the events of 1915 and was sentenced to life in prison.
- It is possible to view the attack on Yanikian as the work of a single elderly Armenian. However, at the December 1972 meeting of the Dashnaks in Rhodes, it was decided to “take destructive actions against Turkey until the lands taken from the Armenians are returned.” The fact that Yanikian carried out this attack a few months after this meeting may indicate that it was not an isolated incident, but an organized one.
- Jan. 28, 1980: ASALA orchestrated a bomb attack on the Turkish Consulate in Los Angeles. While there were no casualties, the attack caused significant material damage.
- Jan. 28, 1982: JCAG assassinated Turkish diplomat Kemal Arikan in Los Angeles. Arikan was shot while driving his car and died at the scene. The assailants were apprehended and tried in court.
- On March 11, 2021, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the decision of the Los Angeles County Superior Court to release Armenian terrorist Hampig Sassounian, who had murdered Arikan. California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that he would not appeal the decision.
- The Turkish MFA expressed strong disapproval, stating that the decision conflicts with universal principles of law and justice. The release of Sassounian, who has shown no remorse during his 38 years in prison, was criticized as harmful to international solidarity in the fight against terrorism.
Los Armenios, LAFC’s transfer decision
Los Armenios is one of the Armenian supporter groups in Los Angeles, known for its political stance. The group has previously organized protests and campaigns emphasizing Armenian identity and its opposition to Türkiye.
In the past, Los Armenios has played an active role in political and historical matters related to Armenia, and they have approached Cengiz Under’s transfer to LAFC from this perspective as well.
Cengiz Under’s response, future outlook
Cengiz Under responded to the backlash by emphasizing football’s ability to unite people. Drawing from his experiences in England, Italy, and France, he highlighted that people from different cultural backgrounds can come together through sports.
LAFC management also fully supported the transfer, stating that the club maintains an equal stance toward all communities.
This situation has once again brought the cultural and political sensitivities of the Armenian diaspora in Los Angeles to the forefront, while also demonstrating how sports can both unite and divide communities. The coming days will reveal whether protests against LAFC and Cengiz Under will continue.
