Premier League pledge £1m in support of Turkish and Syrian victims following horror earthquake
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The Premier League pledges £1m in support of the Turkish and Syrian victims of the terrible earthquake that has killed more than 22,000 people… and clubs will wear black armbands during matches this weekend
- The quake has ripped through parts of Turkey and Syria, killing 22,700 people
- The Premier League said it was “deeply saddened” by the devastating earthquake.
- Clubs and officials will wear black armbands as a sign of respect to those involved
The Premier League has pledged £1m to help earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria, while clubs and officials will wear black armbands at matches this weekend.
Some 22,700 people have lost their lives from the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the two countries on Monday, leaving many injured, missing or displaced.
The League said in a statement: “The Premier League is deeply saddened by the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, which have killed thousands of people.
‘The League will make a £1 million donation to the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) Appeal to deliver humanitarian aid directly to those in need.
“In addition, as a sign of respect to those who have lost their lives or are affected by these tragic events, Premier League players and PGMOL officials will wear black armbands at matches this weekend.”
The Premier League has pledged £1 million to support earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria, while players will show their respect in matches this weekend.
The devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake has tragically killed more than 22,000 people
One of those who has not yet been located is former Chelsea and Newcastle player Christian Atsu.
The whereabouts of the 31-year-old Ghanaian international remain unknown following the disaster in southern Turkey and northern Syria early Monday after his current club Hatayspor revealed that claims he had been rescued were not certain.
Tremors from the deadly quake, which lasted about a minute and could be the largest to hit Turkey, were felt as far away as Egypt, Lebanon and the island of Cyprus.
Residents woke up with a start and fled their homes in terror into the cold, rainy and snowy night in southeastern Turkey and northern Syria.
Former Newcastle and Chelsea player Christian Atsu, who now plays for Turkey, has yet to be found.
Tremors from the deadly earthquake were felt in Egypt, Lebanon and the island of Cyprus, and authorities in Italy briefly issued a tsunami warning along the country’s coast.
Manchester City footballer Ilkay Gundogan, who has roots in the country as he was born in Gelsenkirchen, Germany to Turkish parents, has donated two truckloads of bread to help those affected.
He and his wife Sara are also trying to collect more food, blankets, hygiene products and warm clothes in a desperate attempt to help.
The EFL is also supporting the Disaster Emergency Committee Appeal and all clubs will wear black armbands and observe a minute’s silence at their matches this weekend.