More than 1,400 people have died after a significant earthquake and reports suggest members of Turkish football club Hatayspor have been caught in the disaster
Footballer Christian Atsu is reportedly among those trapped after an earthquake in Turkey.
A 7.8 magnitude tremor struck southern Turkey and northern Syria early on Monday morning, before a subsequent 7.5 magnitude quake. A major rescue operation is underway in the region with more than 1,000 people dead and many more injured or missing.
Reports in Turkey suggest that Atsu, the 31-year-old former Chelsea and Newcastle winger, is among them. The Ghanaian joined Hatayspor last summer, and the club’s sporting director Taner Savut is also thought to be trapped. Istanbul-based journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu tweeted: “Hatayspor Sporting Director Taner Savut and Cristian Atsu were left under the rubble. Search and rescue teams are looking for two names.”
Former Newcastle, Chelsea and Everton player is ‘under the rubble’, Turkish reports say
Newcastle ‘praying for positive news’ with former player missing
Earthquakes measuring 7.5 and 7.8 magnitude hit southern Turkey and northern Syria
Atsu’s Hatayspor teammate Burak Oksuz pulled out of rubble
Nine other players and two club officials also in collapsed building
Atsu initially reportedly located on Monday night
Conflicting stories still suggest Atsu has not been found
7 hours ago
Christian Atsu ‘remains missing’ in latest updates
The earlier report from the Guardian has now been updated to reflect Christian Atsu has not yet been found.
One similar report out of Portugal stated Atsu had been taken to hospital with a foot injury and breathing difficulties, but the Guardian’s edited story now says “remain unconfirmed” by Atsu’s club Hatayspor.
Karl Matchett6 February 2023 23:11
8 hours ago
Conflicting reports over Christian Atsu status
Christian Atsu was located alive in the rubble and “transported to hospital after suffering injuries to his right foot and breathing difficulties,” reports the Guardian.
There has not yet been a formal announcement from Atsu’s club, Hatayspor, though, and Goal.com report the most recent update coming via Hatay Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Lutfu Savas, honorary president of Hatayspor, who stated: “The search and rescue efforts for Atsu are unfortunately continuing.”
Karl Matchett6 February 2023 21:51
8 hours ago
Christian Atsu located and taken to hospital after earthquake
Another update from Saddick Adams – his management team have relayed information that Christian Atsu has been “found and taken to the hospital”.
A statement is expected overnight.
Karl Matchett6 February 2023 21:43
10 hours ago
Christian Atsu latest: Hayatspor confirm they are “still trying to reach” winger and sporting director
Ghana-based outlet Joy Sports spoke with journalist Kadir Onur in Istanbul, where Atsu was discussed.
Within the past hour, the update was that there was no direct confirmation of precisely where the winger was and that he, along with Tanur Savut, remained under the rubble.
Separately, Joy Sports report the vice president of Hayatspor, Mustapha Ozat, issuing a statement to say all staff and players had now been accounted for with the exception of Savut and Atsu.
“[They] are still under the rubble. We are still trying to reach them,” Ozat is quoted as saying.
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While there is no direct confirmation they are all from Hatayspor, teammate Burak Oksuz was earlier rescued from the rubble.
Adams reports that as well as Atsu, nine additional players and two club officials were on the ninth floor of the building, with three players and one official so far accounted for from the group.
Ghanaian football federation releases statement with Christian Atsu reportedly missing
The Ghanaian Football Association has released this statement with Christian Atsu’s condition unknown after the earthquakes in Turkey.
“We pray for Ghana International Christian Atsu and victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. We continue with our efforts to establish contact with officials of Hataspor and the Turkish Football Federation, considering the difficult situation.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Christian Atsu and our brothers and sisters in Turkey and Syria. We remain hopeful for positive news.”
This is the morning ‘doomsday’ came to Turkey and Syria, writes our International Correspondent, the incomaprable Bel Trew.
This is the morning ‘doomsday’ came to Turkey and Syria
Entire areas have been left devastated as buildings collapse, writes Bel Trew
Atsu scored three Premier League goals during his time with the club, which was 2017 to 2021
A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake has hit southeast Turkey, toppling buildings and leaving a trail of disaster in seven Turkish provinces and northern Syria, with tremors felt as far as Cairo.
The 7.8 magnitude tremor struck at 4.17am local time on Monday in southeastern Turkey near the Syrian border, according to the US Geological Survey.
The epicentre of the quake was near the city of Gaziantep at a depth of 17.9km, impacting around seven provinces in Turkey and a large area in northern Syria.
Map of Turkey shows where massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck
At least 20 aftershocks follows, with another major earthquake – measuring at least 7.5 magnitude – striking central Turkey hours later