SECURITY AT HIGH LEVEL BEFORE TURKEY-ARMENIA SOCCER MATCH
ArmInfo
2009-10-06 14:47:00
ArmInfo. Security at high level will be provided in the town of Bursa,
where a football match will be held between the national teams of
Turkey and Armenia on October 14, to avoid possible incidents.
As the Turkish Today’s Zaman reports, almost all preparations are in
their final phase. The necessary security measures have been taken to
prevent incidents that could possibly erupt during the match. Unfurling
anything other than national flags or banners won’t be allowed in
the stadium. Any incidents of hooliganism will not be tolerated and
offenders will be removed from the stadium.
Bursa Governor Sahabettin Harput said this match is important for
the prestige of the city. "We will be the center of attention, a
big number of journalists and media representatives will be closely
following the match. I assess the match as a turning point in terms
of relations between the two countries," Harput noted.
Governor Harput also stated that they have made a tremendous effort to
prevent provocative slogans during the match. Harput said they have
talked to various civil society organizations and fans’ associations
to avoid any possible problems during play. In his turn, leader of the
famous Bursaspor fan group "Texas" Selim Kurtulan also confirmed that
they are ready to host both the Armenian national team and Armenian
fans in the best way they can.
"We are not racist or fascist. Come to Bursa and experience our
hospitality", Kurtulan said.
Zaman also recalls the during the Turkish Super League soccer match
between Diyarbak?rspor and Bursaspor on September 29, when some
Bursaspor fans were hostile towards Diyarbak?rspor players and fans,
accusing them of being "separatists." Ten people, including children,
were injured after supporters from both teams hurled stones and other
projectiles at each other. Five people were detained in connection with
the clashes. Some Bursaspor fans waved banners that read "Happy is he
who says I am a Turk," accusing Diyarbak?rspor supporters of being
pro-PKK and telling them to leave the country. Amid this crisis in
the soccer match, concerns were again raised about the Turkey-Armenia
soccer match.