Podcast19 suspects arrested over violent derby match in Izmir
A Turkish court has arrested 19 suspects of being involved in violence during the second-division derby match, played between Göztepe and Altay, on Nov. 27 in the western province of Izmir. One supporter was severely wounded after fireworks were thrown at the stands, while another supporter attacked the Altay goalkeeper on the pitch.
Duvar English - Reuters
A Turkish court on Nov. 30 arrested 19 suspects of being involved in violence during the second-division derby match played between two Izmir clubs, Göztepe and Altay, on Nov. 27 at Göztepe’s Gürsel Aksel Stadium.
The match between Göztepe and Altay was called off midway through the first half after fireworks were thrown at Göztepe supporters, requiring ambulances to enter the pitch to treat injured fans. One supportes was severely wounded due to fireworks.
Videos on social media showed a supporter running across the pitch during the stoppage and attacking Altay goalkeeper Ozan Evrim Özenç from behind with the corner flag, before he was restrained by players and security staff.
The court decided to arrest 19 suspects, and to release nine suspects, five of which were released under judicial control measures.
The court arrested F.E., who threw the fireworks, on charge of “attempted murder."
The supporter who attacked Altay's goalkeeper was also arrested on charge of “attempted murder," whereas the ambulance driver A.G. (25) was arrested for bringing fireworks and flammable materials into the stadium.