A friendly football match between two local teams came to a standstill after an unusual incident in Istanbul, Turkey. A video of the incident has gone viral, showing a seagull falling to the ground unconscious after being accidentally struck by a football.
The incident occurred during a promotion-deciding match between Istanbul Yurdum and Mevlanakapi Guzelhisar on Sunday, February 22. The bird was knocked to the ground after a goalkeeper’s free kick hit it in mid-air.
Seeing this, one of the players from the two teams began giving CPR to the bird to bring it back to consciousness. Other players rushed over, concerned for the bird’s life, showing sportsmanship and kindness towards the animal.
According to a report by The Sun, the bird was struck by a free kick taken by Istanbul Yurdum goalkeeper Muhammet Uyanik. The seagull immediately dropped to the ground as players rushed to its aid. Uyanik was said to be “deeply upset” after realising he had hit the bird and did not understand what had happened until it fell.
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Istanbul Yurdum captain Gani Catan was the first to check on the bird and immediately began performing CPR. He first lifted it to reposition it before starting chest compressions. He was later seen carrying it to the sidelines for further treatment. The same outlet reported that Catan performed CPR for about two minutes until he noticed movement returning to the bird’s legs and eyes.
Commentator Onur Ozsoy claimed the seagull began walking again after receiving treatment. He said the broadcast “fell silent” when officials saw the bird drop.
Istanbul Yurdum later lost the match on penalties to Guzelhisar, but Catan said saving the seagull felt like a victory.
He said: “We missed out on the championship, but helping save a life is a good thing. This was more important than the championship.”
Fans praised the players involved. One wrote: “Turkish people have a heart of gold.”Another said: “That’s a real man. Compassionate and protective.”A third commenter added: “Glad the bird is okay… the player is the real hero.”