Turkish Journalist Criticizes Israeli Soccer Player Dia Saba Over Gaza War

A Turkish journalist has sparked controversy by linking Israeli soccer player Dia Saba's goal for his club, Umraniyespor, to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In a column, Ahmet Günalmesin criticized Umraniyespor for retaining an Israeli player on its roster, noting that Saba had scored in the team's 4-0 victory over Besiktas.

Günalmesin wrote that "Israelis will surely be happy with the goal scored by Dia Saba, an Israeli, against Besiktas," adding that Saba "added to the joy of his Israeli people." The journalist also criticized the UN for its response to the situation in Palestine and used inflammatory language to describe Israel's actions, referring to "Zionists who are not satisfied with Muslim blood committing atrocities before the eyes of the world."

The remarks drew a swift response from Feleknas Uca, chairwoman of the Southeastern Anatolia Journalists Association and a member of Umraniyespor's advisory board. Uca defended Saba, stating, "Dia Saba's language, religion, race, and identity do not interest us at all. He is dear to us and he is one of us." She emphasized that Saba is from an Arab Muslim family and suggested the criticism was aimed at Umraniyespor.

Uca urged Günalmesin to practice professional journalism and cover Umraniyespor's success neutrally, reiterating that Saba is loved in Diyarbakir regardless of his identity.