Soccer in Turkey has been a distant afterthought after the Feb. 6 earthquake that's claimed the lives of over 42,000 people.
The domestic Süper Lig has been postponed while two clubs — Gaziantep and Hatayspor — have withdrawn from the league. Hatayspor's Christian Atsu is still missing while recovery efforts continue in both Turkey and Syria.
But in the darkest of times the game is there to offer some respite, however minuscule and fleeting, and on Thursday Turkish club Trabzonspor — based northeast on the Black Sea coast — hosted FC Basel at Akyazı Arena in the Europa Conference League.
The scenes were highly emotional, beginning with the tifo from Trabzonspor's supporters.
Trabzonspor fans' tifo paying respect to everyone affected by the earthquake pic.twitter.com/mF89hlNDct
— 433 (@433) February 16, 2023
Proteo, the Mexican rescue dog who died while working alongside emergency services, can be seen in the image.
All proceeds from the match went to victims of the earthquake.
A poignant walk out for Trabzonspor, with all proceeds from their #UECL game against Basel going to victims of the earthquake in Turkey. pic.twitter.com/CkxR0ss4HK
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 16, 2023
On the pitch, Jens Stryger Larsen gave the home side a 1-0 victory in the 65th minute. The team's players celebrated the goal with a Turkey shirt.
A goal for all of Turkey.
Emotional celebrations as Jens Stryger Larsen puts Trabzonspor ahead. pic.twitter.com/vxxAXCILdG— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 16, 2023
The return leg at St. Jakob-Park in Basel is next Thursday, Feb. 23.
Trabzonspor vs. Basel | Full match highlights
