One suspect arrested over killing of Serbian fan case

ISTANBUL

One suspect was arrested and six others were released on judicial control in the killing of Serbian fan in Istanbul case.

One suspect has been arrested while six others were released in an investigation into the murder of a Serbian fan who was killed during incidents that erupted on the sidelines of last week’s Euroleague Basketball game between Galatasaray and Red Star Belgrade in Istanbul on Nov. 28.

K.A., the 53-year-old arrested suspect, said in his testimony that foreign fans had started to attack Galatasaray fans with stones and sticks and that he took the knife into his hand “without realization.”
“We reacted to the attacks. I was either punched or hit in my nose. I waved the knife in my hand toward a leg but it missed. The person that hit me was blonder and taller. The physical properties of the individual that died was different,” said K.A., adding that he did not commit the crime.

Istanbul Police Chief Selami Altınok suggested that the identity of the killer was known by investigators. Those who are involved in the murder are not the hooligans who took part in fights prior to the game, he added.

The murder of the 25-year-old Red Star supporter Marko Ivkovic has strained the ties between the two countries. It has also raised tension in the competition, as fan groups of Olympiakos, pitted in the same group as Galatasaray, pledged that “Orthodox fraternity would take revenge.” Ultras of Galatasaray responded with creating a banner featuring a checklist of supporters groups for several teams including Red Star and Olympiakos, with a check mark by Red Star’s name.