Football Captain Performs Life-Saving CPR on Injured Seagull During Championship Match
In an extraordinary display of compassion during a high-stakes football match, a quick-thinking captain rushed to rescue a seagull that had been knocked unconscious by a powerful goal kick. The incident occurred during a tense playoff final in Turkey, where sportsmanship took on an entirely new meaning.
Dramatic Incident Halts Championship Decider
The dramatic scene unfolded during the season's championship decider between Mevlanakapi Guzelhisar and Istanbul Yurdum Spor. With both teams competing for the title, the match had reached its twenty-second minute when goalkeeper Muhammet's goal kick accidentally struck a seagull circling above the pitch. The bird fell to the ground with a concerning thud, immediately prompting the referee to stop play.
Istanbul captain Gani Catan didn't hesitate, rushing to the fallen animal's side as players from both teams gathered around. What happened next would become one of football's most unusual rescue stories.
Unconventional First Aid Saves the Day
Recognizing the seagull was in distress, Catan began performing chest compressions on the bird, carefully pumping its ribcage in an attempt to restore breathing. 'Something was falling and I realized it was a seagull,' Catan later explained to Anadolu news agency. 'The first thing that came to my mind was heart massage, because it couldn't breathe, so I tried my luck.'
The unconventional CPR technique proved successful, with the seagull showing signs of movement as Catan carefully carried it off the pitch to waiting medical staff. The bird had suffered wing damage but was reportedly walking again after receiving proper treatment.
Commentator Witnesses Football History
Broadcaster Onur Ozsoy provided live commentary on what he described as 'a moment rarely seen in football history.' His astonished reaction captured the surreal nature of the incident: 'Muhammet hit the seagull! They're doing chest compressions on the seagull right now.'
Ozsoy continued narrating as the bird was carried to the sidelines, where medical personnel continued treatment using their standard medical kit.
Humanitarian Gesture Overshadows Match Result
Despite Istanbul Yurdum Spor ultimately losing the championship match, Catan expressed satisfaction with his team's humanitarian achievement. 'We missed out on the championship, but it's a wonderful thing to have helped save a life,' the captain stated. 'This was more important than the championship.'
The incident serves as a remarkable example of sportsmanship extending beyond human competitors, demonstrating that compassion knows no boundaries—even between football players and wildlife. While championship titles come and go, the memory of this unusual rescue will likely endure in Turkish football folklore for years to come.
