Ex-Schalke professional involved
Violent clash overshadows cup game
02/04/2026 – 11:34 p.mReading time: 1 min.
Shortly after half-time there was a frightening scene in Istanbul. A former Schalke 04 player collides with an opponent. Then anxious minutes happen.
The cup game between Galatasaray Istanbul and Istanbulspor (3-1) was overshadowed by a serious collision between former Schalke player Ahmed Kutucu and goalkeeper Isa Doğan. The frightening incident occurred shortly after half-time at Rams Park when both players fell to the ground after an aerial duel and initially remained motionless.
Kutucu had to be put in the recovery position by his teammates, while a teammate tried to prevent the attacker from swallowing his tongue. After receiving first aid on the field, the 25-year-old came to and was initially able to leave the field independently. In the 52nd minute he was substituted as a precaution. The former Cologne native Ismail Jakobs came into play for the Gelsenkirchen native.
Things were much worse for Doğan. The Istanbulspor goalkeeper had to be transported from the pitch in an ambulance and taken to hospital. The clubs initially did not provide any official information about the health status of both players.
Before the accident, Kutucu had contributed significantly to the favorite’s success in the third round of the group stage. The striker prepared Mauro Icardi’s early opening goal (5th) and himself made it 3-1 (33rd). Former DFB captain Ilkay Gündoğan provided the assist for the Turkish record champions’ third goal. Lucas Torreira (25th) also scored for Galatasaray. Leroy Sané missed the game due to an ankle injury.
