A World Cup TV commentator was sacked in the course of the half time break of Canada’s closing group recreation in opposition to Morocco.
The African nation surprised the world to qualify as the highest crew in Group F — knocking out European powerhouse Belgium within the course of.
Their 2-1 win over Canada on Friday was the tip of the road for the North American nation — and it might even be the tip of a Turkish TV host’s profession, The Sun stories.
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Commentator Alper Bakircigil had his viewing of the Morocco victory lower brief at half-time for mentioning to viewers in Turkey that the quickest ever aim in World Cup historical past was scored by Hakan Sukur.
The mere point out of Sukur didn’t go down effectively along with his employers TRT and he was changed mid-match.
Bakircigil was proper – Sukur did rating the quickest ever aim in World Cup historical past, in 2002 in opposition to South Korea.
However, Sukur’s post-retirement antics make him a controversial determine.
Morocco’s Noussair Mazraoui takes on Canada. Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images.Source: Getty ImagesYoussef En-Nesyri of Morocco celebrates a aim. Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images.Source: Getty Images
During his profession, ex-Blackburn ace Sukur was one of many greatest stars in Turkish soccer, scoring 51 objectives in 112 appearances for his nation.
However, after his retirement, he entered politics and was later linked with terrorism.
Sukur and his household then fled to the United States after he was accused of taking part in a task in a failed coup try in 2016.
The 112-capped Sukur is now stated to be an Uber taxi driver.
However, he has spoken out on the accusations of terrorism.
He instructed German information outlet Welt Am Sonntag: “I’ve nothing left. Erdogan took every little thing: my proper to freedom, my proper to freedom of speech and my proper to work.
“I by no means did something unlawful. I’m not a traitor or a terrorist.”
Morocco performs Spain within the Round of 16 on Wednesday morning.
— This story initially appeared on thesun.co.uk and has been republished with permission