26.07.2026 13:30
After his son Cihan Yerlikaya lost a match at the Minikler Turkey Wrestling Championship held in Ankara, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Hamza Yerlikaya reacted to the referee's decisions by descending from the stands to the mat. As Yerlikaya advanced toward the referee, he was calmed down by those around him intervening, causing a brief tension in the hall.
Tension erupted at the Ankara Arena Sports Hall during the Turkish Youth Wrestling Championship, involving Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Hamza Yerlikaya. After his son Cihan Yerlikaya lost the match, Yerlikaya allegedly reacted to referee decisions and descended from the stands to the mat.
SON LOST THE MATCH
Cihan Yerlikaya, son of Hamza Yerlikaya, a former Olympic, world, and European champion, competed in the championship representing Haydarpasa Sports Club. Yerlikaya was defeated by his opponent in the match.
ALLEGEDLY DESCENDED FROM STANDS TO MAT
According to allegations, after his son's defeat, Hamza Yerlikaya, disagreeing with the referee's decisions, jumped from the stands onto the court and went down to the mat. It was claimed that Yerlikaya grabbed the referee, whom he thought made an erroneous decision, by the arm and attempted to escort him out of the hall.
CONFRONTED THE REFEREES
According to allegations, Yerlikaya, whose anger did not subside, confronted the referees and used profane language. During the minutes-long tension, spectators also reacted to the events. It was claimed that Yerlikaya's threatening behavior toward the referees was barely prevented by the intervention of those around him. No official statement has been made by authorities regarding the incident.