Turkish side Trabzonspor paid one of the most emotional tributes ahead of their Europa Conference League clash with Basel.
The side played host to their Swiss opponents at the Medical Park Arena less than two weeks removed from a devastating earthquake that hit both Türkiye and Syria.
The disaster has claimed at least 40,000 lives as both countries are still in crisis mode attempting to find those who are trapped.
Emergency services in the European country have been working in overdrive and as a way of thanks the Trabzonspor unveiled one of the most beautifully constructed tifos.
The supporters carefully unveiled an image of an emergency worker holding onto a young child with the Türkiye flag in his hand.
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The character’s helmet depicted flags of multiple nations that had helped them in their survival efforts.
Within the choreography also sits a search dog by the name of Proteo who died under the rubble while doing its job.
A banner within the stadium said that Türkiye will be united to heal the wounds caused by the earthquakes.
Meanwhile, a Basel banner read: “Our thoughts are with you.”
It was a game that meant a whole lot more than just football.
The Turkish Super Lig champions donated their ticket earnings to the earthquake relief fund, whilst players walked onto the pitch wearing black armbands.
The league had been postponed due to the disaster.
Many Turkish clubs such as Besiktas, Fenerbahce, and Galatasaray called on their fans to buy tickets to the game, according to the Hurriyet Daily News.
Trabzonspor President Ahmet Agaoglu said ahead of the match: “I do not consider this as a Trabzonspor game, it will be a game for Türkiye.”
There was no cheering throughout the game as the Turkish side ran out 1-0 winners.
Magnitude 7.7 and 7.6 earthquakes struck nine hours apart in southeastern Türkiye and the neighbouring Syria on February 6.
Thousands of buildings and infrastructure have been left damaged.
Topics: Football, Europa Conference League, Turkey, Turkish Super Lig
Jayden Collins