A Turkish football pundit was shot in the foot after covering a Europa League game on Thursday night.
Former Turkey international, Serhat Akin, had been working as a pundit for Fenerbahce’s clash with Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise in Istanbul.
Akin confirmed he was shot in the foot after the game in a post on social media, while he has since been pictured in hospital where he reportedly was set to undergo surgery.
The 43-year-old in his photo published on social media, was seen lying on the pavement, wearing shorts, with his right ankle visibly injured and covered in blood.
There was also a trail of blood on the ground next to him, as he captioned the photo on X: ‘As I was leaving the program, I was shot in the feet; our last words are Fenerbahce.’
WARNING – GRAPHIC CONTENT
Serhat Akin confirmed he was shot after working as a pundit last night, and posted this graphic photo of blood coming from his right foot, with a trail of blood on the floor next to him
Turkish politician Mustafa Sarigul visited the former footballer in hospital on Friday
Reports claim that a probe has started into the shooting while a friend said Akin was to have surgery
Turkish politician Mustafa Sarigul posted a video on his X account on Friday where he is seen speaking to Akin who is seen in a hospital bed after staying overnight.
The video was captioned: ‘Good luck to my brother Serhat Akin. No thought can be silenced with a gun.’
As reported by the Sun, the incident happened in the Beykov region of Istanbul and was captured on local security footage, where a masked figure reportedly approached Akin.
It’s said that one shot was fired at Akin who quickly took shelter behind a car, while the masked figure quickly crossed the street and was escorted away on a motorbike.
Local police have launched a probe into the shooting, while his friend – former Middlesbrough and Stoke forward Tuncay Sanli – said that Akin was to have surgery.
As reported by the Sun, Sanli said: ‘He is currently very well, his morale is low. There is not much to say. He will undergo surgery tomorrow.
‘I was with my brother because of the situation. He is my brother, we have experienced great things together. We have also experienced sadness.
‘I came to him as soon as I heard. There is nothing very serious about his condition. He will most likely undergo surgery tomorrow.
Akin made 16 appearances for Turkey and played for clubs including Cologne and Anderlecht
Akin (right) played for Fenerbahce and is seen against Manchester United’s Gabriel Heinze back in 2004
‘I am both sad and angry. Right now, his condition is very good. He is not in a good mood and his morale is low. I hope he regains his health as soon as possible.’
In an official statement, Fenerbahce wrote: ‘We condemn the armed attack on our former football player Serhat Akin.
‘We wish him a speedy recovery. We expect the perpetrators to be held accountable before justice as soon as possible.’
The Turkish Football Federation added: ‘We have learned with regret that former national team player Serhat Akin was injured in his foot as a result of an armed attack.
‘We strongly condemn the heinous attack and wish Serhat Akin a speedy recovery.’
Akin made 16 appearances for Turkey’s senior squad and played for clubs including Fenerbahce and Anderlecht.
Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce picked up a 2-1 victory on the night, with ex-Leicester star Caglar Soyuncu among the scorers.