Istanbul: Young fan dies on derby night


Istanbul: Young fan dies on derby night Friday was supposed to be a night of fierce rivalry on the field and it was indeed. However, the focus has since shifted to what happened in the away enclosure of Galatasaray's stadium. Young student collapsed and was beyond saving.


The away section at Türk Telekom Stadium was filled with 'Canary' fans ahead of the Friday Istanbul derby between two sides of the Bosporus. Unfortunately, one of them suddenly collapsed and could not be saved despite efforts on site and rushing to the hospital.

Koray Şener was a 22-year-old student from Kocaeli, member of the 1907 ÜNİFEB supporter trust. According to available information, his death was caused by a heart attack.

Because the sad incident happened early, supporters of Fenerbahçe remained silent for the first half and then, following talks with security staff, were allowed to leave the stadium and go to the hospital instead. After the game they were joined by several players and club officials.

Since then messages of condolence were sent by main rivals of the Canaries, Galatasaray and Beşiktaş.

Today a symbolic farewell took place at Ülker Stadyumu. Koray's seat was decorated and his family members climbed onto the upper stand, where he used to seat. Afterwards a large column of buses traveled to a mosque to bid the final farewell.

Koray Sener© 1907 ÜNİFEB