17.08.2026 14:50
Following the incident in the Gençlerbirliği-Fenerbahçe match, which ended with the removal of the jersey of a young child wearing a Fenerbahçe shirt, Şenel Akdemir, who was subjected to a judicial control measure in the form of house arrest, has spoken for the first time. Sharing a video message, Akdemir argued that the footage does not reflect the entirety of the incident, saying, "If I were watching it for the first time, I would also react the way you did." Here are the details...
In the first week of the Trendyol Super League, the incidents in the stands during the match where Gençlerbirliği defeated Fenerbahçe 2-1 drew great reaction.
Following the incident that resulted in the removal of the jersey of a small child wearing a Fenerbahçe jersey, a judicial control decision in the form of house arrest was issued for Şenel Akdemir, who was detained.
HE MADE A STATEMENT: THAT'S NOT THE CASE
Akdemir, speaking for the first time after the events, claimed that he appears to be reacting to the father and child in the footage, but the reality of the situation is different.
Akdemir said, "If I were watching it for the first time, I would show the same reaction you are showing. Because in the footage, I seem to be having a fit of rage at the father and son. Actually, that's not the case."
"I ALSO HAVE A FAMILY AND CHILDREN"
Akdemir, who also responded to the reactions directed at him, said, "I also have a family, I also have children. Please, you are talking without knowing me."
Emphasizing the Gençlerbirliği stand culture, Akdemir argued that the stands are decent, saying, "That father came there because he knew he could sit there with that jersey. We are part of a culture that says 'Please, would you stand up?' to encourage people. I am in this stand because it also suits my nature, my essence."
Akdemir also claimed that his intervention was not directed at the father and child, but aimed to prevent a possible tension that could arise in the stands.