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Turkish international Cengiz Under's transfer from Fenerbahce to Los Angeles FC (LAFC) has attracted attention, especially due to a reaction from LAFC's Armenian supporter group, Los Armenios.
The group’s response to Under's arrival has been controversial, with some considering it racist, reflecting tensions tied to historical and political issues between Turks and Armenians.
Los Armeniens expressed their opposition to Under's transfer, stating that it was disrespectful to the sentiments of the Armenian community.
Addressing the LAFC management, the group threatened that this transfer would cause great disappointment among Armenian supporters and could lead to a boycott of the team.
They urged LAFC to reconsider its decision and engage with the Armenian community.
Cengiz Under, on the other hand, addressed the controversy by stating that he believes in the unifying power of football and is happy to work alongside people from diverse ethnic backgrounds in Los Angeles.
Under expressed his hope that LAFC fans would recognize football as a sport that brings people together.
This incident once again highlights that football is more than just a game; it is a force that influences social and cultural dynamics.
While Under's transfer to LAFC underscores football's unifying nature, it also serves as a reminder that historical and cultural sensitivities must be taken into account.
Los Angeles is home to the largest Armenian diaspora in the United States. As of 2016, approximately 200,000 Armenians reside in the Los Angeles area, making it not only the largest Armenian community in the U.S. but also one of the largest Armenian populations outside of Armenia.
The Armenian diaspora in the United States, particularly in Los Angeles, has formed a significant and influential community, often referred to as "Little Armenia." The movement began in the 1830s, following the 1830 Trade Agreement between the United States and the Ottoman Empire, which enabled Armenians to acquire U.S. citizenship in substantial numbers.
This facilitated the establishment and organization of the Armenian community in America.
The Armenian community in Los Angeles has grown through multiple waves of migration, with the first major wave during The Events of 1915, when many fled the Ottoman Empire.
A second significant wave occurred during the collapse of the Soviet Union.
The Armenian lobby in Los Angeles has historically been active in political and diplomatic efforts against Türkiye.
Advocating for the recognition of the so-called Armenian genocide, this lobby has exerted pressure on U.S. political mechanisms, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s, organizing large-scale events.
However, some of these activities have been linked to acts of terrorism against Türkiye.
The Armenian diaspora in Los Angeles has been known not only for its cultural and political activities but also for its involvement in terrorist attacks targeting Türkiye.
These attacks have historically been linked to efforts to avenge the 1915 events, and Los Angeles has become one of the key locations for such activities.
On March 15, 1921, Soghomon Tehlirian assassinated Talat Pasha, the de facto ruler of the late Ottoman Emire former, in Berlin. Tehlirian claimed that the murder was an act of revenge for the 1915 events.
Talat Pasha was held responsible for the deaths of Armenians during the 1915 events. Tehliryan, who lost much of his family during this time, had waited for years to take revenge.
Tehlirian was released and declared a hero in the eyes of the Armenians even though he was a known murderer.
The monument of Tehlirian was created in Fresno, United States, while the disgraceful murderer Tehlirian settled in Los Angeles, United States shortly after his trial and proceeded to live there as if nothing had happened.
The release of Tehlirian would further empower Armenian militants, and the subsequent attacks would be based on the precedent set by Tehlirian.
Armenian terrorist organizations Justice Commandos of the Armenian Genocide (JCAG) and the Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia (ASALA) carried out attacks against Turkish diplomats and representatives worldwide during the 1970s and 1980s. Los Angeles was a key location for these attacks.
https://twitter.com/TC_Disisleri/status/1354425257822707715
Turkish MFA shares a tribute to Türkiye's Consul General Mehmet Baydar and his aide Bahadir Demir
https://twitter.com/TC_Disisleri/status/1619217457838804992
Turkish MFA shares a tribute to Türkiye's Consul General in Los Angeles, Kemal Arikan
Los Armenios is one of the Armenian supporter groups in Los Angeles, known for its political stance. The group has previously organized protests and campaigns emphasizing Armenian identity and its opposition to Türkiye.
In the past, Los Armenios has played an active role in political and historical matters related to Armenia, and they have approached Cengiz Under’s transfer to LAFC from this perspective as well.
https://twitter.com/LAFC/status/1892575352977006779
Cengiz Under responded to the backlash by emphasizing football’s ability to unite people. Drawing from his experiences in England, Italy, and France, he highlighted that people from different cultural backgrounds can come together through sports.
LAFC management also fully supported the transfer, stating that the club maintains an equal stance toward all communities.
This situation has once again brought the cultural and political sensitivities of the Armenian diaspora in Los Angeles to the forefront, while also demonstrating how sports can both unite and divide communities. The coming days will reveal whether protests against LAFC and Cengiz Under will continue.
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