The latest news coming out of Turkey says that Hatayspor player Christian Atsu is among those trapped after an earthquake. The news has saddened the soccer world. One fan was quoted commenting on a Twitter post about the news saying, “really sad situation.”
@EllaMarie_94 really sad situation
— Val 🕊 (@vallead_) February 6, 2023
The Ghanaian Football Association has released this statement:
“We pray for Ghana International Christian Atsu and victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. We continue with our efforts to establish contact with officials of Hataspor and the Turkish Football Federation, considering the difficult situation.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Christian Atsu and our brothers and sisters in Turkey and Syria. We remain hopeful for positive news.”
Christian Atsu scored a stoppage time goal for Hatayspor last night. He made the whole region happy. 😢
Today, he’s under the rubble and the region has been devastated by the earthquake. 🇹🇷🇬🇭
Life is cruel. Our thoughts are with everyone effected. 💔 pic.twitter.com/4JMfaS5dcn
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) February 6, 2023
The former Ghana national team winger opened his scoring account in the Turkish Superlig yesterday. He helped his club Hatayspor claim a narrow win against Kasimpasa SK 1-0. Atsu came off the bench in the 82nd minute to score the only goal of the match at the Yeni Hatay Stadium. He scored from a free-kick in the 90+7th minute. The 31-year-old forward was brought on for just his third appearance of the campaign.
Atsu’s goal helped Hatayspor move out of the relegation zone to the 14th position on the table.
Fans react as Christian Atsu reportedly trapped under rubble
Early morning on Monday, a 7.8 magnitude tremor reportedly struck southern Turkey and northern Syria. Before a subsequent 7.5-magnitude quake also hit. According to reports, in the region, a major rescue operation is underway. More than 1,000 people are reported to be dead and many more were injured or missing.
Reports in Turkey suggest that Atsu is among those trapped. The 31-year-old former Chelsea and Newcastle winger joined Hatayspor last summer. The club’s sporting director Taner Savut might also be one of those trapped. Istanbul-based journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu tweeted: “Hatayspor Sporting Director Taner Savut and Cristian Atsu were left under the rubble. Search and rescue teams are looking for two names.”
John Dramani Mahama, president of Ghana between 2012 and 2017, has also tweeted his hopes for positive news: “Let’s continue to pray for our brother, Christian Atsu, and his club director. The city of Hayat is in the region affected by the earthquake. Let’s continue to pray that God spares their lives.”
Soccer fans have been left saddened by the news and have left their good wishes on @Football__Tweet’s news post.
This is so sad to see. Thoughts with everyone affected. https://t.co/DqYDdhNZjN
— Ajc (@aaryanmufc) February 6, 2023
God save them all!! https://t.co/UAOMowiYXf
— RHODOPSIN (@iamtrimz) February 6, 2023
man this is heartbreaking… https://t.co/uxViCH8Uz9
— Usman (@Usmaan_lfc) February 6, 2023
Jesus thats crazy hope he is found safe🙏 https://t.co/Bnb7yBaBSr
— Greg O’ Grady (@Peglegmacgreg) February 6, 2023
Many others in the soccer world have posted messages of good wishes for Atsu including England’s soccer club Bournemouth. Among his former clubs, Newcastle United has also posted on Twitter for his well being as we await an update on the incident and Atsu’s health.