The Turkish FA are to investigate after the Galatasaray duo wore shirts with Mandela’s name on.
Galatasaray stars Didier Drogba and Emmanuel Eboue face disciplinary action from the Turkish FA after displaying vests with a tribute to the late Nelson Mandela.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea stars are in trouble after removing their club jerseys following the 2-0 win over Elazigspor on Friday.
In the Premier League this weekend’s matches started with a minute’s applause for Mandela, the former South Africa president who died last week aged 95.
However, officials in Turkey believe that the actions by Drogba and Eboue has brought politics into football and that the Gala duo should have asked for permission before the match.
This stance has been criticised by Turkish sports minister Suat Kilic, who thinks it could be a divisive decision, whilst several others have pointed out that some players in the division celebrate goals with the Rabia sign – a four-fingered salute which has become the symbol of the Muslim brotherhood.
Drogba has taken to social media site Instagram to respond to the decision, stating that:
“I’m sorry if I had to I would do it again and again. Nor because of political beliefs but because this man inspired me,a country, a continent, the world!!!!! Thanks again Madiba.”
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