05.09.2026 13:10
MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli made a new assessment regarding the debates over Amedspor. Reacting to the association of sports with identity, Bahçeli said, 'Efforts to integrate with identity will lead Turkey to a different place. With mutual reactions, some issues could again gain dangerous dimensions.'
MHP Chairman Devlet Bahceli made new assessments on the matter following his statements about the "Amedspor Perception and Fandom Survey among Kurds" conducted by the Kurdish Studies Center (KSC) and Rawest Research. Bahceli had previously criticized the said survey, arguing that the study "tries to keep the treason of separatism alive."
"IF THE MOBILITY BECOMES UNCONTROLLED..."
Speaking to Nasuhi Gungor from Haberturk, Bahceli stated that football is not only a game played on the field, but that the atmosphere created in the stands is also important. Bahceli described his concern regarding the direction of the mobility in the stands with the following words: "In Turkey, football is not only about the struggle on the field, but also an event that takes place with its enthusiasm in the stadium and in the stands. The mobility there is directed by stand leaders, people called cheerleaders. My concern is related to my sensitivity about their deliberate use."
"NO ONE CAN PREDICT WHERE IT MIGHT LEAD"
Recalling that he left his club membership in the past due to slogans chanted from the stands at a Besiktas match, Bahceli said, "The public will remember. I left my club membership due to the discomfort I felt from the slogans chanted at a Besiktas match. Because if the mobility in the stands becomes uncontrolled, no one can predict where it might lead."
"EQUATING SPORTS WITH IDENTITY IS A BLUNDER"
Continuing his criticisms of the Amedspor survey, the MHP leader emphasized that he is against linking sports with identity. Bahceli stated, "It is a blunder to say that politics, sports, and identity are intertwined based on a survey of unknown nature, and to equate sports with identity."
"SPORTS SHOULD BE AN ACTIVITY THAT UNITES AND EMBRACES EVERYONE"
Saying that sports should bring together all segments of society regardless of ethnic origin, sect, or political opinion, Bahceli continued his words as follows: "Regardless of political opinion, ethnic origin, sect, or disposition, sports is an activity that should unite, integrate, and embrace everyone. Efforts to integrate it with identity will lead Turkey to a different place. With mutual reactions, some issues may gain dangerous dimensions again."