Thousands of Turkish football fans celebrated Galatasaray Istanbul’s Turkish championship victory in Berlin on Saturday night. Police estimated a “low four-digit number” of fans gathered mainly on Ku’damm, with large crowds also converging on Breitscheidplatz.
Peaceful Celebrations Despite Pyrotechnics
A spokesperson for the German Press Agency’s control center reported that the area was crowded, and fans were setting off pyrotechnics. However, no riots had occurred at the time of reporting.
According to a dpa reporter, the atmosphere on Breitscheidplatz was initially charged. After the final whistle, only a few dozen fans gathered there, but within an hour, hundreds were celebrating together. Cars and motorcycles, some adorned with Galatasaray flags, drove and stood in the surrounding streets. Later in the evening, fans also set off fireworks.
Police officers on site had pepper spray ready, but it was not used, the dpa reporter observed. This year’s celebrations marked a contrast to last year’s, which saw significant unrest.
Galatasaray Secures Championship with 4-2 Victory
Galatasaray secured the championship earlier in the evening in Istanbul with a hard-fought 4-2 victory against Antalyaspor. This win put them mathematically out of reach of city rivals Fenerbahçe with one matchday remaining in the Turkish Süper Lig.
Last Year’s Celebrations Marred by Violence
Last year, after Galatasaray’s previous championship win, celebrations in West Berlin led to violent clashes, according to police. Fans reportedly harassed and attacked police officers near the Gedächtniskirche, throwing bottles, firecrackers, and occasionally stones at them. Police used tear gas during the altercations. Authorities reported that 33 police officers were injured, and 34 fans were temporarily detained.
This year’s more subdued celebrations were a welcome change for authorities, who had prepared for potential unrest given previous incidents.
The successful championship win for Galatasaray brings joy to its fans, both in Istanbul and among the large Turkish diaspora in Berlin, who once again demonstrated their passionate support for their team.
