Besiktas fans throw toys on to pitch for children affected by earthquake

Besiktas fans threw thousands of stuffed toys on to the pitch during Sunday’s match against Antalyaspor to donate to children affected by the earthquakes in Turkey and neighbouring Syria.

The Turkish Super Lig game, which ended 0-0, was paused after four minutes and 17 seconds to allow fans to throw the gifts on to the pitch. The earthquake first struck Turkey at 04:17 local time on 6 February.

“Our fans threw scarves, berets and plush toys on the ground of Vodafone Park to be given as a gift to the children in the earthquake region to cheer them up,” Besiktas said in a statement.

The death toll from the earthquakes has crossed 50,000. The Ghana winger Christian Atsu, who played for the Turkish club Hatayspor, was among the victims. He was found dead on 18 February under the building where he lived in southern Turkey.