Football ultras - a movement for society and self-improvement

[wilts rover]

Nice piece here on the ultras of Besiktas and their involvement with Turkish politics - if you are interested in that sort of thing

http://thesefootballtimes.co/2017/04/13/a-movement-for-society-and-self-improvement-besiktas-carsi-ultras/

[silent majority]

Strangely enough Wilts this is exactly the same conversation I had with somebody last night. When the results were filtering in and it looked like Erdogan was getting his way I said then that if any group would rise up and challenge him it would be the supporters of Istanbul's football clubs. During the Gezi Park protests it was the supporters of those 3 clubs that led the way and I can see it happening again.

Historically of course they hate each other, but do come together when needed. I was one of many guests when they hosted the FSE (Football Supporters Europe) summer conference a few years ago and they couldn't have been more welcoming. The first night was the turn of Fenerbahce, then Besiktas, then Galatasary with all 3 coming together in Taksim Square. Every presentation they did that weekend had a political stance and angle to it, so different to football action groups that we are used to.

[Syme]

Democracy has spoken and those on the losing side will just have to accept the result and get on with it.

Turkish Constitutional Referendum means Turkish Constitutional Referendum

[idler]

A very good read. Troubled times ahead after yesterday's referendum I think.

[BobG]

Don't be ridiculous Syme 'Democracy has spoken'? Really? Have you not seen how the no sayers have been treated? How they've been muzzled? How they've been imprisoned? How they've been barred from the press? How they've had all their assets confiscaaed so they caouldn't place any adverts - anywhere?! Democracy? My arse man. This is totalitarianism.

BobG

[idler]

I think that SYME was having a dig about our referendum Bob.
Totally different circumstances but a referendum.

[Syme]

Thank you Idler

[RedJ]

Don't be ridiculous Syme 'Democracy has spoken'? Really? Have you not seen how the no sayers have been treated? How they've been muzzled? How they've been imprisoned? How they've been barred from the press? How they've had all their assets confiscaaed so they caouldn't place any adverts - anywhere?! Democracy? My arse man. This is totalitarianism.

BobG

Whoooooooooooooosh.