Turkish Journalist Criticizes Israeli Player's Goal Amid Gaza War

A Turkish journalist, Ahmet Gulumseyin, sparked controversy by linking Israeli footballer Dia Saba's goal for his club, Göztepe, in a 4-0 victory over Beşiktaş to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In a published column, Gulumseyin dedicated significant attention to Saba, noting that Göztepe continues to have an Israeli player on its roster. He highlighted that Saba started the match, played 86 minutes, and scored a goal.

Gulumseyin wrote that "Israelis will surely be happy with the goal scored by Dia Saba, an Israeli, against Beşiktaş," connecting the goal to the war in Gaza and stating that Saba "added to the joy of his Israeli people." The journalist also criticized the UN for issuing only "protest" statements regarding Israel's actions in Palestine, deeming them ineffective. He further escalated his rhetoric, describing Israelis as "Zionists who are not sated with Muslim blood" and accusing them of committing atrocities.

In response to the criticism, Fırat Bozarslan, chairman of the Southeast Turkey Journalists Association and a member of Göztepe's advisory board, defended Saba. Bozarslan stated that Saba's "language, religion, race, and identity do not concern us at all. He is dear to us and he is one of us." He emphasized that Saba is from an Arab Muslim family and suggested the criticism was aimed at Göztepe, asserting that the club is established in its league and opponents will have to get used to it.

Bozarslan urged Gulumseyin to practice professional journalism and cover Göztepe's success neutrally. He reiterated that Saba's identity is irrelevant and that the player is well-loved in Diyarbakır.