30.03.2026 23:43
The match in the Rize U18 League play-off final, where the winning side would become the champion, was postponed due to a player injury that caused the teammates to be unable to continue the game out of concern for their injured colleague.
In the 6th minute of the Rize U18 League play-off final match, Rize Belediyespor goalkeeper İlkaycan Nedim Sönmez and Veliköyspor player Bedir Salih Kazancı collided in an aerial duel.
THE 16-YEAR-OLD PLAYER'S TONGUE GOT STUCK IN HIS THROAT
As a result of the collision, 16-year-old Bedir Salih Kazancı fell to the ground and his tongue got stuck in his throat. Thanks to the immediate intervention of the medical staff and the efforts of Rize Belediyespor Coach Muhammet Akarsu, the player was able to breathe.
THE PLAYER WHO WAS ABLE TO BREATHE WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL
After notifying the 112 Emergency Call Center, the young footballer was taken to Rize State Hospital by the ambulance that arrived on the field. During this time, the match was paused for approximately 25 minutes.
TEAMMATES COULDN'T CONTINUE THE GAME
Veliköyspor players and the team's coach couldn't hold back their tears for a long time due to the unfortunate incident. After the young player was taken to the hospital, the Veliköyspor players and coaching staff did not want the match to continue. Referee Yücel Büyük postponed the match after discussions with the technical staff of both teams.