Acun Ilicali believes Turkey's home match will be a night of hope

It won’t be a funeral, it will be a night of hope: Hull City’s Turkish owner Acun Ilicali looks forward to his nation’s first home since devastating Earthquake claimed the lives of over 50,000 people

• Hull City owner Acun Ilicali has opened up on the pain of the Turkey earthquake
• Ilicali stated ‘everybody was crying’ after the earthquake’s aftermath unfolded
• The 7.8 magnitude earthquake claimed the lives of over 50,000 people

Acun Ilicali, the Hull City owner, spends most of his life in front of the television cameras, hosting some of the most watched programmes in Turkey. 

But when the region was hit by the most powerful Earthquake in 80 years, Ilicali was merely a helpless viewer.

‘We just lived in front of the television, every minute,’ Ilicali says. ‘It was a disaster time, we were all crying, everybody was crying. We were just waiting and hoping for more lives to be saved.’

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake which hit southeastern Turkey, near the Syrian border, has claimed the lives of over 50,000 people.

Turkey will play Croatia in Istanbul on Tuesday – their first home international fixture since the earthquake struck 50 days ago.

Hull City owner Acun Ilicali has opened up on the effects of wtahcing the Turkey earthquake unfold

A powerful earthquake struck Turkey in February that claimed over 50,000 lives

Turkey beat Armenia 1-2 on Saturday to kick-start their European qualifying campaign

While emotional tributes will be paid to those who lost their lives, Ilicali believes it will be a night of hope rather than sadness.

‘Now it’s time to think more positive and to support the survivors,’ Ilicali says.

‘I would say that it’s not going to be a night of a funeral, it’s going to be a night of hope.

‘We lost so many people, so many people have been damaged – they lost their homes, they lost their jobs, they lost everything and the economy is a complete disaster. 

So it’s a long journey to support that. We’ve just started a new era to support these people. This night will be more of a supportive night for everybody so that we give more hope to people for the future.’

In the aftermath of the disaster Ilicali helped to provide temporary housing and clean water and he also hosted two television charity shows to raise money for those affected.

‘I lost my parents in a traffic accident so I know what it is to be without parents at a young age,’ Ilicali explains.

‘I was 20 when I lost them so when something like that happens, I always share their feelings because I have already lived that experience.

Ilicali has hosted some of Turkey’s most recognisable programmes but watched on in sadness as the earthquake unfolded

More than 50,000 were killed due to the continued destruction as the worst earthquake in 80 years rocked the country

‘We had a historical night on Turkish television that we all are proud of, we raised I think six, seven billion pounds.

‘One week later, we made another show and this time it was all about the sports people of Turkey. So it included the football world of Turkey and also [Kylian] Mbappe made a live connection to the programme from Paris and he showed his support for us. 

It was a very successful night and I’m very proud of my country. I’m sure that we can overcome this sorrow by being united together.’

One of the many victims of the earthquake was former Premier League footballer Christian Atsu. His club, Hatayspor, also lost their sporting director and several youth players. They and Gaziantep have been forced to temporarily withdraw from the Turkish Super Lig.

Former Newcastle defender Christian Atsu, 31, died following the devastating earthquake in Turkey

Ilicali (middle) believes Tuesday’s European qualifier will be a night of hope rather than sadness for Turkey

Turkish clubs have been united in their grief, with rival fans coming together to show solidarity and support to the victims.

‘In Turkey the tension in football is so high. For the first time in my life, I saw all the clubs getting together,’ Ilicali said.

‘I always asked myself, “why aren’t you like this in the regular life?” I hate tension, and I hate these bad things happening in the world of football. For one month in Turkish football everybody forgot about these bad feelings and everybody became united.’

Ilicali says he and his country have been touched by the support from fans across Europe, including his own supporters at Hull. He was watching on in Istanbul when the Tigers played Stoke City in their first game since the earthquake.

‘I saw big, big support from the football world. My supporters brought Turkish flags to the first game. This showed me how they feel about it, they share it. 

Ilicali says he and his country have been touched by the support from fans across Europe

‘You know, when you feel like people are sharing your pain, I already considered Hull City fans like my family but this sad event proved that they also see me like their family. It was very emotional.’

Ilicali is also hopeful there may be an event organised around this season’s Champions League final, set to be played in Istanbul, to help the survivors.

‘Sometimes it is the money that will help but I think what would be more valuable is the world’s footballs showing their love for the area. So many people will be coming for the Champions League final, so why not make an organisation before the game. For kids and families, to see some stars around them would be fantastic.

‘When I look at my most happy memories, I can say five of them is football. So football is inside of so many people and young people. It’s going to be a lot of work but it would be fantastic.’

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