Backlash on social media: Acun Ilıcalı issues statement on Hull City's 'do not bring Turkish flags' decision

In the 26th week of the English Championship, Hull City will host league leaders Leeds United at home this evening (January 4) at 18:00.

A statement released by Hull City ahead of the match caused a backlash on social media.

In the statement from Hull City, owned by Acun Ilıcalı, fans were asked not to bring Turkish flags to the stadium in memory of Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight, who lost their lives in Istanbul during the incidents that occurred before the Galatasaray - Leeds United match in 2000.

The statement read, "Hull City will once again stand with Leeds United in memory of Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight. Chris and Kev tragically lost their lives while supporting their club on April 5, 2000. We ask our fans, out of respect for the tragic event that took place in Istanbul 25 years ago, not to bring Turkish flags or jerseys to the MKM Stadium. Raise your voices and support your team, but please do so in the right way."

ACUN ILICALI RESPONDS TO CRITICISM

Following the reactions, Acun Ilıcalı made a statement on his social media account. In his post on X, Ilıcalı stated the following:

"Since day one, our fans have been coming to the stadium with our flag as a gesture to us during Hull City matches, and this makes us proud.

However, since the tragic event in 2000 where two Leeds fans lost their lives, some hooligans from other teams have been using our flag to provoke Leeds United fans by referencing this incident. The statement made today is intended to prevent the use of our flag as a tool for provocation against our country.

Even though the same recommendation was made by the club's social media account last year, the intentions of those who are distorting the same announcement today are clear."