Excessive Police Force at Soccer Fans in Istanbul

On Saturday police sprayed paper gas at Beşiktaş soccer team fans who gathered around Beşiktaş Mall to celebrate the season end. Several pedestrians and onlookers were also affected by tear gas.

Eyewitnesses said the incident took place as PM Erdoğan made a declaration regarding the blasts in Reyhanlı from his work office located meters away from downtown Beşiktaş district. Hundreds of Beşiktaş soccer team marched and blocked the main avenue while celebrating the season end and the last game to be played at İnönü Stadium. An outrage broke when the police shot gun fire in the air and intervened the protestors who blocked the traffic.

Police responded soccer fans with tear gas - which aggravated the tensions. The gun fire allegations caused the crowd to grow and throw bottles at PM's office walls.

Some fans were seen to find refuge in nearby mosques. Several injuries were reported among those who came to hang out in the area. The crowd calmed down after PM Erdoğan left his office escorted by security. (HK/BM)