Individual who attacked Altay players apprehended

The management of Trendyol 1st League team Altay has issued a written statement following an attack by a fanatical Göztepe supporter on players from Altay's U16 team.

Stating that the attack, carried out by an individual who entered the pitch and slapped and kicked young Altay players before the Bornova 1877-Altay match held at Bornova District Stadium in the U16 Development League, has caused outrage in the sports community, the black-and-white club stated: "As we can see from the available footage, they came to the stadium where the match was to be played in a planned and organized manner, even though it was not their own match. It is unacceptable that they entered the pitch during the final preparations before the match to attack our 16-year-old athlete, attacked our athletes' families in the stands, and that the people accompanying them recorded those moments of violence with their mobile phones as if to support them and shared them on social media."

The Altay management also sent a veiled message to Göztepe CEO Kerem Ertan regarding a previous statement he made. The black-and-white club continued: "Populist and irresponsible slogans such as 'We are the greatest hope and the strongest family of Izmir' give courage to secret divisions and to certain masses with little or no education to commit acts of vandalism and violence. The violent incident in question is the clearest indicator of this. The Great Altay is the fundamental pillar that took part in the founding of the country and the liberation of Izmir, even caused the formation of two distinguished clubs by those who left its ranks, and has almost designed and dominated Izmir football. Therefore, we invite all club officials not to make unnecessary and baseless claims with statements that exceed their purpose."

ATTACKER FOUND

It has been learned that the Göztepe fanatic who attacked the Altay players has been apprehended by the Izmir Police. It was reported that judicial proceedings will be initiated against the detained hooligan. It was stated that 20-year-old C.A.Z., who had previously received a penalty under Law No. 6222 on the Prevention of Violence and Disorder in Sports, will appear before a judge. It was learned that Altay Sports Club and the attacked athletes have filed a complaint. In the statement made by Altay, it was noted: "Our club is following the matter in coordination with the security units, and we would like to specifically state that we are making every effort to ensure that the person or persons who committed this immoral crime receive the heaviest possible punishment."

News Source: 12punto