Besiktas throw thousands of toys onto pitch for children who survived earthquakes

Besiktas fans threw thousands of toys onto the pitch during their home game against Antalyaspor for children who survived the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

The Turkish Super Lig game was halted after four minutes and 17 seconds on Sunday for the pitch to be cleared of donations for youngsters who survived the natural disaster.

Supporters made the gesture at that time of the match to mark the time the first quake struck at 4:17am on February 6.

Besiktas said in a statement: “To boost the morale of children affected by the recent earthquakes, Besiktas supporters organised a unique donation event called “This Toy is for You” to be held at Vodafone Park during Besiktas’ match against Antalyaspor.

“At exactly the 17th second of the 4th minute of the match, which corresponded to the time of the first earthquake, Besiktas supporters threw scarves, hats, and plush toys on to the pitch.

“The goods will be delivered to the children living in the earthquake-hit areas with Besiktas aid trucks.”

More than 50,000 people, including Hatayspor winger Christian Atsu and Yeni Malatyaspor goalkeeper Ahmet Eyup Turkaslan, died following the earthquakes.