Source: REUTERS/FABRIZIO BENSCH
[Saba Sports News] During Germany’s 2-3 home defeat to
Turkey, Ilkay Gundogan, the German captain, faced boos from tens of thousands
of Turkish fans. It is important to note that although Gundogan was born in
Germany, his parents are Turkish, and he has a strong connection to Turkey. In
previous interviews, Gundogan has expressed his love for Istanbul, Turkish
food, and his relatives living in Izmir on the Aegean Sea. However, during the
game, a significant number of Turkish fans filled Berlin’s Olympiastadion, and
Gundogan became the target of their boos. Additionally, Gundogan has faced
criticism from German fans for his past actions. In May 2018, he met with
Turkish President Erdogan, which stirred controversy among German fans. During
a warm-up match before the World Cup, Gundogan was also booed by German fans
when he came on as a substitute.