Alirza Quluncu, Voice of America, February 12, 2025
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| Ilqar Ulusoy, political activist |
Political activist Ilqar Ulusoy discussed the controversy that arose after the racist chants directed at Turks during the January 26 match between "Tractor Azerbaijan" and "Persepolis" in an interview with Voice of America.
Previously, in an official statement, Tractor club pointed out that the violations during the match were not limited to the chants of Persepolis fans.
In the interview, Ilqar Ulusoy said, "This is not just fan behavior. Similar insults happen in other places as well. But it has come to the forefront because it happened in front of cameras."
Ulusoy also stated that Tractor club and its fans have faced pressure due to their role in "civil organization."
"Insults against Turks have been met with reactions before. However, they were not previously organized or turned into a social movement. Today, Tractor and its supporters play a major role in strengthening Turkish identity and in the civil organization of the people. Before, something would happen, people would protest for three to five days, and then return. But now, thanks to Tractor, there is a large social mobilization and people’s organization, and they cannot stop it. That's why they become more aggressive," said the political activist.
In a statement from Tractor club, it was emphasized that the Iranian Football Federation shows tolerance towards "racial insults." "This tolerance also reduces the hope of putting an end to racial insults," the statement read.
According to Ilqar Ulusoy, "There is a boiling point on both sides. That is, there is a growing conflict between the Turks and those who hold Iranian or racist ideologies. The situation can be understood in this way: in Azerbaijan and other regions, Turks have come to realize that these injustices and insults happen because they are Turkish. That’s why they are clinging more to their Turkish identity. As racism becomes more aggressive, Turks are also clinging more to their identity."
The political activist added, "The authorities are doing everything they can to prevent this resistance. By insulting the fans, beating them, condemning Tractor players, depriving their supporters of watching their beloved team play, and implementing other plans. They are doing everything they can to silence this movement, which has become a symbol of resistance for Azerbaijanis and Turks."
Link to the original interview in Turkish on the Azerbaijani section of Voice of America:
İlqar Ulusoy: “Traktor” tərəfdarlarının sivil təşkilatlanmada böyük rolu var