KONYA: Konyaspor and Palestine drew 2-2 in a solidarity friendly in Turkey on Wednesday, while supporters threw toys onto the pitch to honour children in Gaza.
Melih İbrahimoğlu opened the scoring for Konyaspor in the second minute. However, Mohammed Hasn Rajab Sandouqa put Palestine ahead with goals in the 12th and 25th minutes.
Mustafa Muhammed then equalised for the hosts in the 28th minute. Neither side scored again. Konya Metropolitan Municipality Stadium hosted the fixture, which centred on solidarity with Palestinians.
Before kickoff, supporters unveiled a choreographed display urging people to speak out over children’s deaths. Banners around the ground highlighted Gaza’s humanitarian situation.
Fans also sent dolls, soft toys and confetti onto the field as part of the tributes. During the match, stadium lights went out at 10 minutes and 14 seconds in remembrance of members of the Palestinian sports community.
Meanwhile, Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan praised the gathering in a social media post. He thanked supporters for welcoming the visiting players and drawing international attention to Gaza.
Read: Palestinian Footballer Muhannad al-Lili Killed in Gaza Airstrike
Erdoğan pledged continued support for Palestinian rights on international platforms. The game ended at 89 minutes and 59 seconds, with a stadium announcement declaring it “postponed until Palestine is free.”
Read: Mohamed Salah Questions UEFA Over Palestinian Footballer’s Death
Konyaspor and Palestine drew 2-2 in Konya as supporters threw toys onto the pitch and displayed messages supporting Gaza.
