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Besiktas has initiated disciplinary proceedings against a club congress member who targeted Shakhtar Donetsk’s Brazilian player Kevin with racist abuse following last Thursday’s UEFA Europa League second qualifying round match.
Besikta suffered a 4–2 defeat at home against the Ukrainian side led by Arda Turan. The unexpected result triggered an outpouring of anger online, where several posts containing racist remarks toward 22-year-old Kevin surfaced. One of the messages came from an individual officially registered as a congress member of the clu
In a strongly worded statement, Besiktas condemned the abuse and confirmed that steps had been taken to expel the member:
“The individual responsible for posting racist and hate-filled messages toward Kevin, a player of our opponent Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round, has unfortunately been identified as a member of our congress. A disciplinary investigation has been launched with the intention of terminating his membership.”
The club emphasized its historic and uncompromising stance against racism:
“Besiktas and its supporters have demonstrated a clear and principled position against racism in the past. We once again condemn racism in all its forms — on the pitch and beyond.”
The incident has reignited interest in the actions of Besiktas fans known not only for their passionate support but also for their strong social awareness. Besiktas fans has consistently led campaigns to raise awareness about racism, inequality, and injustice through both creative and direct actions.
Besiktas fans staged a one-minute silent protest using sign language to say "Stop racism" and "Black Eagle" during the UEFA Champions League match against Benfica, Istanbul, Türkiye, November 23, 2016. The action brought attention to discrimination as well as the challenges faced by the hearing-impaired. UEFA officially recognized the protest as a first in football history.
After Cameroonian star Samuel Eto’o was subjected to racist chants in Spain, Besiktas fans unfurled a banner in the Besiktas stands reading: “Carsi Against Racism – We Are All Eto’o.” The gesture was widely reported in international media.
Carsi is the iconic supporters group of Besiktas.
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Following the fatal police shooting of African-American teenager Mike Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, Besiktas supporters displayed banners at Ataturk Olympic Stadium that read: “No to Racism,” “Rest in Peace Mike Brown,” and “Do Not Shoot” alongside the silhouette of a young Black male. The visual message drew global attention.
In response to a controversial stadium ban following a Bursaspor match, Besiktas fans launched a campaign urging that the closed-door match be relocated to Diyarbakir. The message aimed to challenge regional bias and show solidarity with Türkiye’s southeastern cities.
Through hand-crafted banners, graffiti-style designs, and typographic messaging, Besiktas fans has transformed stadiums into spaces for social activism. Even without formal training in graphic arts, supporters have created widely shared visuals with anti-racist themes.
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