19.02.2026 18:30
Some businesses in Istanbul made a gesture for Nottingham Forest fans coming to Istanbul for the Fenerbahçe match. Many establishments welcomed the English fans in Sultanahmet Square with Nottingham Forest flags they had hung up. While some groups of fans found this gesture exaggerated, others stated that they appreciated the hospitality behind the action.
Nottingham Forest, which will face Fenerbahçe in the first match of the UEFA Europa League play-off round, was warmly welcomed as soon as its English fans set foot in Istanbul.
FLAG WELCOME FOR NOTTINGHAM FANS
Especially many cafes and restaurants around Sultanahmet Square showed their hospitality by hanging Nottingham Forest flags. As the welcoming images quickly spread on social media, Forest fans were quite pleased with this gesture. Many English fans shared their reactions with comments like "Fantastic welcome!" and "Istanbul made us feel at home." Fans posing under the flags expressed their gratitude by saying, "This warm welcome boosted our motivation before the match."
FANS DIVIDED
However, the gesture was interpreted as exaggerated by some fan groups in Turkey. While discussions on social media included "Hospitality is nice, but is it really necessary for the rival team?" another group appreciated the action by saying, "This is the best example of Turkish hospitality, well done."
RAMADAN WARNING FROM NOTTINGHAM
On the other hand, Nottingham Forest Club called on its fans to be mindful of "Ramadan sensitivity." In the English club's statement, it was said, "The fan meeting point is Sultanahmet Square, across from the Hagia Sophia Mosque. Today is the first day of Ramadan. We kindly ask you to respect local traditions by not consuming alcohol in the square during this religious period. Please be at the meeting point by 3:00 PM."