Turkish basketball witnessed an unusual turn of events during a Türkiye Basketball Second League (TB2L) match, as Goztepe Basketball Team’s newly introduced mascot, K’ANKA, was detained following post-game tensions on his debut match.
The incident occurred during Goztepe’s clash with Kocaeli Buyuksehir Belediye Kagitspor at the Bornova Ataturk Sports Hall in Izmir, where mascot K’ANKA’s team Goztepe hails from.
Goztepe, a strong contender in Group A, lost the match 78-70, sparking outrage among home fans. The technical fouls called against the team in the game’s closing moments heightened tensions, culminating in confrontations involving the mascot.
K’ANKA, inspired by the phoenix as per Goztepe fans’ choice with the team’s colors, red and yellow, made its debut in the game, marking a significant moment for the club and Turkish basketball fans.
However, the celebratory atmosphere quickly shifted after the final whistle. A supporter dressed in the mascot’s costume, along with three club officials, confronted the referees in protest of key decisions made during the match.
Police detain K’ANKA, Turkish team Goztepe’s basketball mascot
The situation escalated in Turkish basketball, prompting police intervention. Officers from the sports division stepped in as the dispute intensified, leading to the detention of K’ANKA and the three officials. After being taken into custody, all parties were released following their statements.
The aftermath of the incident also saw internal changes within Goztepe. The club announced its decision to part ways with head coach Sahin Atesdagli, a move linked to the team’s inconsistent performance.
Goztepe, now holding a record of six wins and three losses, currently sits third in the Group A standings of Turkish basketball’s second-tier league.
Despite the chaotic debut, KANKA has already made a memorable mark on Turkish basketball, though not in the way the club likely intended. The spotlight now shifts to how Goztepe will address the fallout as it continues its campaign in the league.
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