Besiktas Fans Throw Toys on Field for Children Affected by Earthquake

Fans throw toys onto the pitch during the Turkish Super League soccer match between Besiktas and Antalyaspor at the Vodafone stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye, Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023. (AP)
Fans throw toys onto the pitch during the Turkish Super League soccer match between Besiktas and Antalyaspor at the Vodafone stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye, Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023. (AP)
TT

Besiktas Fans Throw Toys on Field for Children Affected by Earthquake

Fans throw toys onto the pitch during the Turkish Super League soccer match between Besiktas and Antalyaspor at the Vodafone stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye, Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023. (AP)
Fans throw toys onto the pitch during the Turkish Super League soccer match between Besiktas and Antalyaspor at the Vodafone stadium in Istanbul, Türkiye, Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023. (AP)

Besiktas fans threw thousands of stuffed toys onto the pitch during Sunday's match against Antalyaspor to donate to children impacted by the earthquake in Türkiye and neighboring Syria.

The Turkish Super Lig game, which ended 0-0, was paused after 4 minutes and 17 seconds to allow fans to throw the gifts onto the pitch. The earthquake first struck Türkiye at 0417 local time on Feb. 6.

"Our fans threw scarves, berets and plush toys on the ground of Vodafone Park to be given as a gift to the children in the earthquake region to cheer them up," Besiktas said in a club statement.

The death toll from the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria has crossed 50,000. Ghana winger Christian Atsu was among the victims, having been found dead on Feb. 18 under the building where he lived in southern Türkiye.



Saudi Arabia Qualifies for Semi-finals of 26th Arabian Gulf Cup with 3–1 Victory Over Iraq

28 December 2024, Kuwait, Al-Ardiya: Saudi's Abdullah Al-Hamdan celebrates scoring his side's third goal during the Arabian Gulf Cup group B soccer match between Iraq and Saudi Arabia at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium. Photo: -/Saudi Press Agency/dpa
28 December 2024, Kuwait, Al-Ardiya: Saudi's Abdullah Al-Hamdan celebrates scoring his side's third goal during the Arabian Gulf Cup group B soccer match between Iraq and Saudi Arabia at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium. Photo: -/Saudi Press Agency/dpa
TT

Saudi Arabia Qualifies for Semi-finals of 26th Arabian Gulf Cup with 3–1 Victory Over Iraq

28 December 2024, Kuwait, Al-Ardiya: Saudi's Abdullah Al-Hamdan celebrates scoring his side's third goal during the Arabian Gulf Cup group B soccer match between Iraq and Saudi Arabia at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium. Photo: -/Saudi Press Agency/dpa
28 December 2024, Kuwait, Al-Ardiya: Saudi's Abdullah Al-Hamdan celebrates scoring his side's third goal during the Arabian Gulf Cup group B soccer match between Iraq and Saudi Arabia at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium. Photo: -/Saudi Press Agency/dpa

The Saudi national football team has secured its qualification for the semi-finals of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup after defeating Iraq 3-1 in its final group-stage match in Kuwait on Saturday.
Saudi goals came from Forward Salem Al-Dawsari, who converted a penalty in the 57th minute, and Striker Abdullah Al-Hamdan, who scored in the 81st and 86th minutes. Iraq’s sole goal was scored by Forward Mohanad Ali in the 64th minute.
With this victory, the Saudi team increased its points tally to six and secured its place in the semi-finals alongside group leader Bahrain.

Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal congratulated the Saudi national football team players, along with the technical and administrative staff.

The minister extended his congratulations during a phone call with President of the Saudi Football Federation Yasser Almisehal, expressing his gratitude for the players’ outstanding performance and high spirit, as well as the efforts of the technical and administrative staff.
Prince Abdulaziz wished the national team continued success in showcasing their renowned skills and achieving the tournament title.