MKE Ankaragücü Club made a statement about the stampede after the 1-0 loss to Fenerbahçe in the 4th week of Trendyol Super League.
In the statement made by the capital club, it was reminded that the 1st and 2nd barrier application in Eryaman Stadium was made compulsory by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF).
In the statement, it was stated that the implementation started as of the 2022-2023 season, “There are pedestrian crossing and evacuation gates in these barriers. Considering the problems our fans experienced at these gates last season, meeting with the Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports, Provincial Police Department and private security company officials that provide security in the stadium before the season. Our club has agreed with the officials that the pedestrian crossing and evacuation doors should be open at the entrance and exit of the stadium.” it was said.
“ADDITIONAL MEASURES WILL BE TAKEN TO WELCOME OUR FANS IN THE BEST WAY”
In the statement, it was stated that the stampede occurred because the evacuation gate located at the 1st barrier behind the north castle was not open, and the following was noted:
“As of the 85th minute of the Fenerbahce match, it has been confirmed by the officials in charge of the stadium that both transition points from all barrier points are open. Despite the confirmation that all the gates of the 6 barrier points were open at the end of the match, the evacuation at the 1st barrier behind the north goal. Due to the fact that the gate was not open, there was a crowd. There were injuries among our fans after this stampede. Additional measures will be taken to ensure that the same sad events do not happen again and to host our fans in the best possible way.
Regarding the sad events in our stadium and the measures to be taken from now on, our President Mr. Faruk Koca and our Board members visited Ankara Provincial Police Chief Engin Dinç in his office today. We express our deep regret to our fans who were injured at the exit of the stadium and who had a hard time, and we inform our community that the necessary sanctions will be applied against the person/persons who abuse their duties despite the precautions, by examining the security cameras.”