Turkish Football Federation chief says league games should be played in daytime

ANKARA – Doğan News Agency

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Turkish Football Federation (TFF) chairman Yıldırım Demirören has said league games should only be played in the daytime in order to prevent “aggressive” and “drunk” football fans.

During a July 31 workshop on security in sports events, at which Interior Minister Muammer Güler and Youth and Sports Minister Suat Kılıç attended, Demirören called for Spor Toto Super League games to be played only in the daytime, Doğan News Agency has reported.

“I ask our clubs, let’s have the games played in the day. When games are played at night there are many things, including alcohol, involved and fans are more aggressive. That tarnishes football’s beauty,” he said.

“As the federation we are ready and know our responsibilities. Clubs, officials, police, judiciary should all share this responsibility,” Demirören added.

In the same speech, the TFF chief also stated that punishments would be increased on administrators, football players and coaches.

Demirören’s words came amid the Turkish government’s attempts to keep stadiums “free from political statements.” Supporters will be banned from chanting political slogans during next year’s football games, the Interior Minister announced on July 29, as the government attempts to grapple with politicized fans in the wake of this summer’s Gezi Park protests.