The CHP member Başarır showed a red card to artists who criticized the call for a red card.

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel stated yesterday, "I will have big surprises." After his statement, he limited himself to calling on retirees and minimum wage earners to "show a red card to the government" at the eagerly awaited Mersin Metropolitan Municipality Mass Opening Ceremony. Failing to meet expectations, Özel received significant backlash from both the political and artistic communities. CHP Group Deputy Chairman Ali Mahir Başarır responded to the criticisms from the artistic community.

"BEING AN INTELLECTUAL DOES NOT MEAN CRITICIZING THE OPPOSITION"

Speaking on Halk TV, Başarır said to the artists who criticized Özel's call, "I am also showing them a red card." Başarır stated, "I have nothing to say to those who make positive criticisms; they may not like it. But some artists have really upset me. I am also showing them a red card. For example, we held a rally, and you tweeted. Why didn't you come to Ankara for the minimum wage? None of them came. Being an intellectual is not just about criticizing the opposition. Come, let’s walk together." he said.

SHAHAN GÖKBAKAR'S REFERENCE TO FOREIGN REFEREES

Comedian Şahan Gökbakar, in a statement on his social media account, mocked Özel's call by saying, "I demand that a foreign referee be appointed in place of Özgür Özel."

WHAT DID ÖZEL SAY?

Özgür Özel said, "We will meet at a big opening ceremony today at 3:00 PM. We will discuss everything on Turkey's agenda there. In fact, we will make a long-awaited start from there. We will make a big surprise." Later, speaking at the mass opening ceremony of the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality, Özel stated, "I invite all retirees, minimum wage earners, and all the oppressed in Turkey to show a red card to this government. These cards in your hands are the hope of Turkey. Do not let the red card be absent from your hand or pocket. If you are feeling down, take out the card; there will be someone in front of you. Do not let this card be absent from your pocket or heart. This card is the flag of the Turkey Alliance; this card is the herald of the people's government." he said.