15.01.2026 01:20
A banner measuring approximately 50 meters, which read "Just look at history, what has happened to those who rise against the Turk," caused a reaction during the match between Batman Petrolspor and İnegölspor. Mersin MP Mehmet Emin Ekmen criticized the broadcaster's attitude by questioning how the banner entered the stadium.
In the match played away by Batman Petrolspor against İnegölspor, a banner measuring approximately 50 meters, which read "Just look at history, what happened to those who rebelled against the Turk," drew significant backlash. Mersin Deputy Mehmet Emin Ekmen criticized the broadcaster's stance harshly, questioning how the banner was allowed into the stadium.
"BATMAN PETROLSPOR IS A TEAM OF THIS COUNTRY"
Ekmen stated that the banner contained discriminatory rhetoric, saying, "Isn't Batman a team of this country? Aren't its players, fans, and city citizens of this country?"
During the press conference, Ekmen reacted to the host of the match by playing the broadcast from his phone and said, "The host says, 'Look at the enthusiasm in the stands, legendary marathon. Just look at history, what happened to those who rebelled against the Turk. I repeat this again and again because the meaningful message is very significant, we can say it is very meaningful to those who understand it once more.'
What is meaningful? It continues... What is significant? Are you mentally challenged? I'm talking to the host. What are you trying to convey? Whose children are these kids? Whose fans are these supporters? Whose team is this? Which state does this province belong to? Isn't it shameful? Aren't you ashamed to do such a thing?" he said.
WHO ALLOWED THE BANNER INTO THE STADIUM?
Deputy Ekmen stated that it needs to be clarified how the approximately 50-meter banner entered the stadium and expressed that the Turkish Football Federation and the security units monitoring the stadiums should prevent such incidents.
CALL TO TFF
Ekmen used the following statements: "I call on the broadcaster to RTÜK: What penalty will you impose for this discriminatory, othering language? 'Just look at history, what happened to those who rebelled against the Turk.' You would think that the descendants of the Ottomans are playing a match with Byzantium. Hey, the Batman Petrolspor team is coming here. Batman Petrolspor is one of the teams of this country. Its players, fans, and city are also citizens of this country. This racist banner, fifty meters... Who allowed this fifty-meter banner to enter this stadium?"
Stating that the incident was not an isolated one, Ekmen said they stand by the Batman Petrolspor community and emphasized that deterrent measures against hate speech should be taken in stadiums.