The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has issued a strong condemnation following an armed attack on former Turkey and Fenerbahce striker, Serhat Akin, who is now a television pundit. The attack took place in Istanbul on Thursday evening, following Akin’s appearance in a broadcast covering Fenerbahce’s 2-1 win over Union Saint-Gilloise in the UEFA Europa League.
According to Akin, the assailant shot him in the foot shortly after he left the television studio located in the Beykoz district of Istanbul. The 43-year-old former footballer took to social media to confirm the incident, sharing a photo of his bloodied ankle and foot, and remarking, “They shot my feet after the program, our last word is Fenerbahce.”
The Turkish Football Federation expressed its deep regret over the incident in an official statement:
“We have learned with regret that former national team player Serhat Akin was injured in his foot as a result of an armed attack. We strongly condemn the heinous attack and wish Serhat Akin a speedy recovery.”
Akin, who was capped 16 times for the Turkish national team between 2002 and 2006, was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Reports suggest that his injuries, while painful, are not life-threatening, and he is expected to make a full recovery in the coming weeks. Fenerbahce, the club where Akin began his professional career, also issued a statement denouncing the violent assault. The club, one of the most successful football teams in Turkey, expressed solidarity with their former player and called for swift justice against those responsible.
“We expect the perpetrators to be brought to justice as soon as possible,” Fenerbahce stated.
Eski futbolcumuz Serhat Akın’a yapılan silahlı saldırıyı kınıyoruz.
Kendisine geçmiş olsun dileklerimizi iletiyor, acil şifalar diliyoruz.
Faillerin en kısa sürede adalet önünde hesap vermesini bekliyoruz. pic.twitter.com/gWJlyn1qOd
— Fenerbahçe SK (@Fenerbahce) September 26, 2024
Serhat Akin’s career as a professional footballer began with Fenerbahce, where he played from 1999 to 2004. He was a key player for the club during his tenure, contributing significantly to their domestic success. In 2004, Akin transferred to Belgian side Anderlecht, where he continued his football career before moving to other European clubs. Akin’s international career saw him represent Turkey in various international tournaments, including UEFA European Championship qualifiers and friendlies.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and authorities in Istanbul have launched an investigation to apprehend the perpetrators. While it is unknown whether the assault was directly related to Akin’s professional work or his association with Fenerbahce, the incident has heightened concerns about the safety of public figures, especially in the world of football. Violence against football players and personalities is not an uncommon phenomenon in Turkey, where football culture is deeply ingrained in society, often leading to highly charged emotions and, in extreme cases, violent behavior. The incident involving Akin adds to a series of alarming events that have raised questions about the protection of athletes and sports figures in the country.
