Beşiktaş executive members fined over drinking alcohol

ISTANBUL

Cameras reportedly recorded on Aug 18 several high-ranking members of the football club consuming alcoholic beverages, which were sent by the club, at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium while the game was continuing. AA photo

Several high-ranking members of Turkish football club Beşiktaş’s executive board have been fined for consuming alcohol during an Aug. 18 match between Beşiktaş and Trabzon, according to daily Hürriyet.


Cameras reportedly recorded executive board member Yalçın Kaya Yılmaz, Secretary General Metin Albayrak and Coordinator General Gökhan Sarı consuming alcohol in plastic cups, which were sent by the club, at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium while the game was continuing.

A recent regulation banned any consumption of alcohol at sporting venues, including fields, stadiums and indoor sporting halls, resulting in the monetary fines for the three Beşiktaş figures.

Violence and disorder

The ban, according to officials, aims to prevent “violence and disorder” at sporting events, by not allowing a series of substances, including alcohol, into venues. The regulation calls for monetary fines only if no other more serious crimes were committed during the games.

The Turkish government has increased its efforts against alcohol consumption over the last year, with strict restrictions being forced upon a variety of venues, including festival areas and restaurants. Alcohol advertisement and sales have also been severely restricted by recent change in regulations, prompting protests.