08.11.2026 12:40
After Galatasaray's Amedspor match, the yellow packaging in the jersey promotional video published by GSStore sparked controversy when it was interpreted as a "yellow bag" reference. Following reactions, the video was removed, while GSStore stated that no political message was intended. Amedspor President Nahit Eren said they expect an apology, while 15 bar associations, including those of Diyarbakır, Mardin and Van, reacted to the footage and announced that they would take legal action against those responsible.
After the Süper Lig match between Galatasaray and Amedspor played at RAMS Park on Saturday, November 7, an off-field development became the focus of debate. The yellow-red club's official store GSStore published a video to promote a jersey specially prepared for footballer Barış Alper Yılmaz. However, the golden-yellow packaging image used at the beginning of the video was interpreted by some as a "yellow bag" reference. As criticism grew, GSStore removed the video and issued a statement.
HOW DID THE DEBATE START?
After the match in which Galatasaray defeated Amedspor 4-3, a special jersey promotional video prepared for Barış Alper Yılmaz was published. The presentation of the jersey in yellow packaging in the promotional video brought back to the agenda the "yellow bag" references previously used in the stands against Amedspor.
The phrase "yellow bag" is associated with the yellow body bags used to carry the bodies of organization members who lost their lives in operations against the terrorist organization PKK. This image had also caused debates in the past because it was used in some football matches for the purpose of threat and humiliation.
While criticism was made that the yellow packaging in GSStore's video carried this meaning, the club store stated that the image belonged only to the product's packaging design.
GSSTORE REMOVED THE VIDEO AND ISSUED A STATEMENT
Following the reactions, GSStore removed the promotional video that caused the debate. In the statement published by Galatasaray Mağazacılık AŞ, it was stated that the gold-colored tissue paper used was part of the packaging of the jersey specially prepared for Barış Alper Yılmaz.
In the statement, it was expressed that sadness was felt over the image being interpreted in different ways, while it was emphasized that the packaging did not carry any political or social message. Thus, GSStore rejected assessments that the image was a deliberate reference.
AMEDSPOR PRESIDENT: "DELETING THE POST IS NOT ENOUGH"
Amedspor President Nahit Eren called on the Galatasaray management after the video was removed. Eren demanded that it be explained for what purpose and under whose responsibility the post was prepared. Eren, who requested that action be taken against those responsible and that the club apologize to the public, argued that the matter cannot be closed merely by removing the content.
Eren stated that the incident cannot be considered an ordinary jersey promotion and expressed that they expect a more comprehensive statement from the Galatasaray management.
JOINT STATEMENT FROM 15 BAR ASSOCIATIONS
One of the most striking developments regarding the debates was that 15 bar associations published a joint statement on Sunday, November 8. The bar associations, including those of Diyarbakır, Mardin, Van, Batman, and Şanlıurfa, reacted by stating that the image evoked a symbol associated with pain and losses in the memory of the Kurdish community.
The bar associations emphasized that the "yellow bag" image represents losses, pain, and a sense of mourning in the collective memory of the Kurdish community. Therefore, stating that the image in question cannot be considered merely part of sports competition, the bar associations expressed that sports should be conducted on the basis of friendship and mutual respect rather than polarization and hostility.
In the joint statement, it was underlined that the pains that have taken a place in a people's memory should not be turned into an element of mockery, humiliation, or targeting. The bar associations stated that sports clubs also bear responsibility in preserving social peace.
LEGAL ACTION TO BE INITIATED AGAINST THOSE RESPONSIBLE
In the joint statement, it was announced that the necessary legal actions would be taken against those responsible for preparing and publishing the controversial video. The bar associations stated that both the social effects and the legal dimension of the matter should be evaluated and announced that they would follow the process.
The statement was signed by the bar associations of Ağrı, Batman, Bingöl, Bitlis, Dersim, Diyarbakır, Hakkari, Iğdır, Kars, Mardin, Muş, Siirt, Şanlıurfa, Şırnak, and Van. There is not yet a completed judicial process or a court ruling issued.
A SIMILAR INCIDENT HAD OCCURRED BEFORE
The "yellow bag" debate is not happening for the first time in Turkish football. An investigation had been launched after some fans waved yellow bags toward the Amedspor stands during the Kocaelispor-Amedspor match played in the second week of the Süper Lig. The Kocaeli Chief Public Prosecutor's Office had initiated proceedings against 5 fans within the scope of charges of inciting the public to hatred and hostility and chants containing threats or insults, and a decision of house arrest had been issued for the suspects.
In the latest debate following the Galatasaray-Amedspor match, however, while GSStore argued that the image consisted only of special jersey packaging, the Amedspor management and 15 bar associations did not find this statement sufficient.