Turkish EU Minister: Cüneyt Çakır shouldn’t mind British media

ANKARA- Anatolia News Agency

Turkish EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bağış. AA photo

Turkey's EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bağış has told a TV broadcaster that Cüneyt Çakır, a Turkish referee who was criticized by the British media due to his decisions in a Manchester United - Real Madrid game of the UEFA Champions League, refereed the match successfully and should dismiss the negative criticism.

Bağış said Turkey had not commented on the fanaticism of British football audiences so far, although it was well-known that the country’s football fans were prone to excessive behavior. “They should know their place,” Bağış said in response to the clamors of British newspapers.

“I want to address Cüneyt Çakır, who refereed the game very successfully. He shouldn’t mind [the criticisms],” Bağış said, adding that the British had been irritated that such an important game was refereed by a Turk and were indirectly attacking Turkey by criticizing Çakır. He added that Turkey was also struggling against this hostile mentality in the EU accession process.

Meanwhile, Bağış commented on Fenerbahçe Sports Club President Aziz Yıldırım, indicating that he made great contributions to Fenerbahçe.

“Though he took great risks both morally and materially, Aziz Yıldırım’s latest remarks really upset me. And I don’t approve of his struggle to settle accounts in the judicial process he underwent. Yet still, I hope that Aziz Yıldırım will do the right thing for Fenerbahçe as a true supporter of the club,” Bağış said.