Besiktas fans joined Fenerbahce supporters in demanding the resignation of Istanbul’s government on Sunday, nearly three weeks after a devastating earthquake hit southeastern Turkey, AFP reported.

“Government, resign!” – chanted thousands of fans of the Istanbul football team “Besiktas” at the Inonu Stadium on Sunday night during the championship match with “Antalyaspor”, which ended in a 0-0 draw.

Fans also threw plush toys onto the lawn, which they plan to donate to children affected by the Jan. 6 earthquake.

The day before, Fenerbahce fans chanted “Lies, deception, 20 years have passed, resign!” during the match with Konyaspor.

After the 7.8-magnitude earthquake, the Turkish government was sharply criticized by the opposition and independent media for its lack of response in the first days in the devastated areas.

As the presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for May 14 approach, the popularity of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is already suffering from the economic crisis, is suffering more and more.

Open demonstrations calling for the resignation of the government have been rare in Turkey since President Erdogan consolidated power following an attempted coup against him in 2016. But it is known that the supporters of Besiktas, one of the Istanbul clubs, are quite close to the opposition.

“While our country is dealing with the biggest disaster of the century, chanting resignation slogans during the Fenerbahce-Konyaspor match is irresponsible and senseless,” Devlet Bahceli, leader of the Nationalist Action Party, a coalition partner of Erdogan’s AKP party, reacted on Twitter. .

He even asked the clubs to take “urgent and necessary measures” to ensure that matches are held without fans, News.ro informs.

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Published by Sky Sport DE (@skysportde)