Acun Ilicali, the owner of Hull City, spends most of his life in front of TV cameras, hosting some of the most watched shows in Turkey.
But when the region was hit by the most powerful earthquake in 80 years, Ilicali was simply a helpless bystander.
“We were just living in front of the television, every minute,” says Ilicali. ‘It was a moment of disaster, we were all crying, everyone was crying. We were hoping and hoping that more lives would be saved.”
The 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck southeastern Turkey near the Syrian border has claimed the lives of more than 50,000 people.
Turkey will play Croatia in Istanbul on Tuesday, their first international match at home since the earthquake struck 50 days ago.
Hull City owner Acun Ilicali has opened up about the effects of watching the Turkey earthquake unfold.
A powerful earthquake struck Turkey in February, claiming more than 50,000 lives.
Turkey beat Armenia 1-2 on Saturday to kick off their European qualifying campaign
While moving tributes will be paid to those who lost their lives, Ilicali believes it will be a night of hope instead of sadness.
“Now is the time to think more positively and support survivors,” says Ilicali.
“I would say that it is not going to be a funeral night, it is going to be a night of hope.
“We lost so many people, so many people were hurt: they lost their homes, they lost their jobs, they lost everything, and the economy is a complete mess.
So it’s a long journey to support that. We have just started a new era to support these people. Tonight will be more of a support night for everyone so that we can give people more hope for the future.’
After the disaster, Ilicali helped provide temporary housing and clean water and also hosted two television benefit shows to raise money for those affected.
“I lost my parents in a car accident, so I know what it’s like to be without parents at a young age,” Ilicali explains.
‘I was 20 years old when I lost them, so when something like this happens, I always share their feelings because I have already lived that experience.
Ilicali has hosted some of Turkey’s most recognizable shows, but he sadly watched the quake unfold.
More than 50,000 people died due to the continued destruction of the worst earthquake in 80 years to hit the country.
“We had a historic night on Turkish TV that we are all proud of, we raised, I think, six or seven billion pounds.
‘A week later, we did another show and this time it was about the athletes from Turkey. So it included the football world of Turkey and also [Kylian] Mbappé connected live to the program from Paris and showed us his support.
It was a very successful night and I am very proud of my country. I am sure that we can overcome this pain by being united.’
One of the many victims of the quake was former Premier League footballer Christian Atsu. His club, Hatayspor, also lost its sports director and several youth players. They and Gaziantep have been forced to temporarily withdraw from the Turkish Super League.
Former Newcastle defender Christian Atsu, 31, died after the devastating earthquake in Turkey
Ilicali (centre) believes Tuesday’s European qualifier will be a night of hope rather than sadness for Turkey
Turkish clubs have been united in their grief, and rival fans have come together to show solidarity and support for the victims.
‘In Turkey, the tension in football is very high. For the first time in my life, I saw all the clubs together,” Ilicali said.
‘I always wondered, ‘why aren’t you like this in normal life?’ I hate the tension and I hate these bad things that happen in the world of football. For a month in Turkish football, everyone forgot about these bad feelings and everyone came together.’
Ilicali says he and his country have been moved by the support from fans across Europe, including his own supporters in Hull. He was watching in Istanbul when the Tigers played Stoke City in their first game since the earthquake.
“I saw great, great support from the world of football. My fans brought Turkish flags to the first game. This showed me how they feel about it, they share it.
Ilicali says he and his country were moved by the support from fans across Europe.
‘You know, when you feel that people share your pain, I already considered the Hull City fans as my family, but this sad event showed that they see me as their family too. It was very emotional.
Ilicali is also hopeful that an event will be organized around this season’s Champions League final, to be played in Istanbul, to help the survivors.
“Sometimes it’s money that helps, but I think it would be more valuable if the soccer balls of the world showed their love for the area.” A lot of people will come to the Champions League final, so why not organize before the game? For children and families, seeing some stars around you would be fantastic.
“When I look at my happiest memories, I can say that five of them are football. So football is within so many people and so many young people. It’s going to be a lot of work, but it would be fantastic.