Soccer can sometimes feel like an alternate reality, an escape. On a hard-earned weekend, a manual laborer and his friends might be able to gather for a couple of hours and kick the ball around. Sheltered children shuttled in minivans from their identical suburban houses to florescent-lit schools can find release on the pitch. A… Read More »
Turkish football authorities have pioneered a remarkable anti-hooliganism tactic: allowing only women and children to watch a game. Initially — after violence and a pitch invasion marred a recent Fenerbahce match — authorities had decided to ban all fans from two games. Then someone instead suggested only allowing certain fans. So it was that over… Read More »
As I have purchased my tickets for several football games in Istanbul during the winter break, I wanted to share some videos with you that make me get excited each time I see them. Yet, before that, I want to say something about the team and supporters culture back home. Firstly, although I am a… Read More »
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