DENIZ MEHMET has thanked his club and their supporters for going “above and beyond” to support an appeal to help victims of devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.
The Pars goalkeeper, who was born in London and is of Turkish-Cypriot descent, led a fundraising effort at Saturday’s match with Airdrieonians in aid of the DEC (Disasters Emergency Committee) Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal.
All profits from tickets bought for the half-time 50-50 draw were to be donated to the fund, which raised more than £2,000, whilst further contributions will be made when Mehmet’s kit from the game, which included the Turkish flag, and gloves set to be auctioned off.
As well as the monetary gesture, Mehmet was also touched by the unfurling of a large Turkish flag by supporters in ‘Section North West’ ahead of kick off, and his team-mates joining him in wearing a black armband to pay respect to victims of the earthquakes.
The DEC say that more than 41,000 people have been killed in southern Türkiye and north-west Syria, whilst thousands of homes and buildings, including hospitals and schools, have either collapsed or been extensively damaged.
Hatayspor footballer Christian Atsu, formerly of Chelsea, Everton and Newcastle United, died as a result of the disaster, while a friend of Mehmet’s, who also plays for them, is safe following the tragedy.
Speaking exclusively to Press Sport this week, Mehmet said: “It was lovely to see so many people donating towards it and, to raise such a good amount, so quickly.
“I said to Craig (Brown, the club’s media officer) after the game as well how much I appreciate what the club have done. I didn’t think they would make such a big thing about it.
“I thought it would maybe be an article after the game or something, saying, you might have been aware I was wearing a special kit, or a Turkey flag or something was there at the game for this sort of reason, but they’ve really gone above and beyond to raise the awareness.
“The fans, and everything that they did with the big Turkey flag...when I came out and saw it, honestly, it was unbelievable to see that. I didn’t know they were doing anything like that.
“It does touch the spot to be honest, when you see that it’s not just the club that’s supporting you, that the fans have gone out of their way as well to get that organised so quickly as well. It was lovely to see.
“It was very touching. I came out of the tunnel and turned left, as I would anyway, to go to the goal, and you see that, the size of it, the way that they were, the noise of the crowd when you come out of the tunnel, it is really touching.
“It’s a lovely moment to have had. Unfortunately, it’s been such a horrible time with it, but it was nice that they all did that.
“The circumstances are horrendous, but it’s for a good cause that everyone’s got involved in and donated towards. I can’t thank everyone enough and just how much I appreciate it to have the backing of everybody.”
Mehmet said the fans’ flag gesture took him by surprise, and continued: “I’ve seen a couple of Turkey flags since I’ve been here. I was thinking maybe there would be a couple in the crowd, which there was, smaller ones, but not anything of that size.It wasn’t even a thought process in my head.
“I literally thought there would maybe be a couple of flags here and there of the ones I’ve seen at other games, but not anything like that.
“It hits closer to home for me obviously, being half English, half Turkish and having that Turkish background. For them to be waving the Turkey flag, and being so supportive of a nation that they have no ties to, but are willing to do that, it speaks volumes of the club and the fans that they are willing to go and do that for a country that doesn’t affect them.
“It was me trying to help out best I could. The club have done so much to help me with it, and been really so supportive, which I’m so thankful and grateful for.
“It just shows the unity and togetherness between the club, the fans and the players. It’s lovely to see.
“For the club to do what they have, and actually go to the lengths of the things that they’ve done, and raise the money that they have, words don’t really explain how thankful I am that they’re willing to do that.
“It will make a massive difference.”
Mehmet revealed the players are also set to make their own donations to the fund and, if you would like to make a donation to to the DEC Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal, visit https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/turkey-syria-earthquake-appeal.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here