Stuttgart player Deniz Undav has spoken for the first time regarding the tension he experienced on the pitch with Fenerbahçe footballer İsmail Yüksek. Undav stated, "There was nothing political about the incident with İsmail Yüksek. We insulted each other on the pitch, which is a common occurrence in football." Addressing the controversy that emerged in Turkey, Undav said, "My captain is Turkish, and I have many Turkish friends. I don't have the slightest problem with Turkish people. After the Fenerbahçe match, my captain came to me and asked if we should make a post together, but I said, 'I don't want to drag you into an unnecessary argument.'"
Key highlights from Deniz Undav's statements are as follows:
“There was nothing political about the incident with İsmail Yüksek. We insulted each other on the pitch, which is a common occurrence in football. Do you think it's political just because I argued with a Fenerbahçe player? What does football have to do with politics?
It is sad to be insulted over political issues. People are dragging things that don't exist into these events.
I cannot speak Turkish. That is why I responded to the interview request by saying, 'I don't know Turkish.' The point is not to provoke; I really don't know it.
I saw Serkan Balcı's comments. That really triggered me; I almost replied on Instagram. He would never have apologized if the reaction hadn't grown so large. It is very clear that there was something else on his mind. You don't say something like that.
My captain is Turkish, and I have many Turkish friends. I don't have the slightest problem with Turkish people. After the Fenerbahçe match, my captain came to me and asked if we should make a post together, but I said, 'I don't want to drag you into an unnecessary argument.'
If I had a problem with Turkish people, would I celebrate with him, take photos, or go out to dinner together? I also have many Turkish friends in my hometown.
There are already enough problems in the world. Why should we create more?”
News Source: 12punto
