A TURKISH commentator was sacked during half-time in the World Cup Group F clash between Morocco and Canada.
Morocco ran out 2-1 winners to top the group and send Belgium’s “Golden Generation” packing.
But commentator Alper Bakircigil had his viewing of the Morocco spectacular cut short at half-time for mentioning to viewers in Turkey that the fastest ever goal in World Cup history was scored by Hakan Sukur.
The mere mention of Sukur didn’t go down well with his employers TRT and he was replaced mid-match.
Bakircigil was right – Sukur did score the fastest ever goal in World Cup history, in 2002 against South Korea.
However, Sukur’s post-retirement antics make him a controversial figure.
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During his career, ex-Blackburn ace Sukur was one of the biggest stars in Turkish football, scoring 51 goals in 112 appearances for his country.
However, after his retirement, he entered politics and was later linked with terrorism.
Sukur and his family then fled to the United States after he was accused of playing a role in a failed coup attempt in 2016.
The 112-capped Sukur is now said to be an Uber taxi driver.
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However, he has spoken out on the accusations of terrorism.
He told German news outlet Welt Am Sonntag: “I have nothing left. Erdogan took everything: my right to freedom, my right to freedom of speech and my right to work.
“I never did anything illegal. I am not a traitor or a terrorist.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
