Football game stops as player performs CPR on seagull struck by ball in Istanbul

TURKEY, February 24 — The match, played in Zeytinburnu, pitted Mevlanakapi Guzelhisar against Istanbul Yurdum Spor. In the 22nd minute, Istanbul Yurdum Spor goalkeeper Muhammet Uyanik hit the ball away from his penalty area, a defensive move known as a clearance. The ball struck a flying seagull, which then fell to the ground. Uyanik said he did not realize what the ball had hit at first, and only understood after approaching the white object that dropped from the sky. He described feeling shocked and deeply upset, noting that it was still a living creature.

Captain steps in with chest compressions

Team captain Gani Catan was the first to run over after recognizing the fallen bird as a seagull. He said the bird appeared unresponsive and unable to breathe, and that his first instinct was to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), commonly known as chest compressions. Catan said he performed chest compressions for about two minutes. As he kept going, he reported seeing movement return to the bird’s legs and eyes, after which the bird began to regain responsiveness. He said water was given, and the seagull was then carried to the sideline and handed over to medical staff present at the match. Catan said he had not received any formal health or first-aid training, and described the intervention as a reflexive attempt to save the animal.

Istanbul Yurdum Spor captain Gani Catan performs chest compressions on a seagull after it was hit by the ball during an amateur league play-off final in Istanbul, Türkiye. (AA Photo)

Medical staff take over as the match continues

After being turned over to the match’s medical team, the seagull received additional care. It was later learned that the bird had wing damage from the impact and could not fly for the time being, and that it was taken under treatment. Uyanik said he did not know where the seagull was being treated, but added he would consider visiting if he could find out the location.

A moment that changed the mood on a live broadcast

Onur Ozsoy , who was presenting the live broadcast, said the moment drew intense attention and led to many people reaching out to ask about the seagull’s condition. He described the sequence as something rarely, if ever, seen on football pitches, and said the broadcast fell quiet as the situation unfolded. Ozsoy said the crew later heard that the seagull was walking again, though it would take time before it could fly.

'This mattered more than the title,' Catan said

The match ended in defeat for Istanbul Yurdum Spor, costing them the championship. Catan said the loss was disappointing, but he framed the rescue as more meaningful than the result, saying: "We missed out on the championship, but helping save a life is a good thing. This was more important than the championship."