Melissa Vargas speaks out on footage of her coach tapping her shoulder

Melissa Vargas has made a statement regarding footage captured on a mobile phone during the Fenerbahçe Medicana Women's Volleyball Team's match against Zeren Spor in the 16th week of the Sultans League, which subsequently appeared on social media.

In a post on her social media, Vargas stated, "Since I saw the news on social media, I wanted to clarify the incident due to the many comments made. The touch on my shoulder by our coach immediately after the play where we forced the opposing team to take a timeout following my block was entirely for congratulatory and motivational purposes.

This is a reflection of the struggle we put forth under the Fenerbahçe jersey and our strong team spirit. We are a family both on and off the court," she said.

Fenerbahçe Secretary General Orhan Demirel also spoke on the matter during a sponsorship signing ceremony:

"I was very surprised by these social media movements after I was appointed to volleyball. I don't normally follow social media much, but there is a very conscious segment, and sometimes the exact opposite, especially in volleyball. The video from yesterday was shown to me this morning as well. I spoke with Captain Eda, Marcello, and Vargas. Of course, it is very funny. 15 seconds before this movement, Vargas makes a block, and Zeren is forced to take a timeout. Marcello is within his own family, this is a family, so I don't think there is any meaning in perceiving this negatively. It is purely perception management. I don't even know why this is being done. When you look at the footage from 15 seconds before this movement, it is very clearly understood."