Galatasaray's Didier Drogba and teammate Emmanuel Eboue both face punishment from the Turkish FA for paying homage to Nelson Mandela after Friday's 2-0 win over Elazigspor.
One night after Mandela's death, Drogba revealed a shirt with the message"Thank You Madiba,"(Madiba is Mandela's clan name) while Eboue's undershirt read"Rest In Peace Nelson Mandela."
Both players of course are African, and this was a show of their appreciation for one of the most important civil rights leaders in world history.
However, the Turkish FA deemed the messages to be the kind of"political expressions"they are currently trying to discourage players and fans from making at games. And despite the fact Drogba and Eboue's messages were a tribute rather than a manifesto, the pair has been summoned to appear before the Turkish Professional Football Discipline Committee because they had not asked for permission first.
In response, Drogba took to Instagram with this message:
I'd be very interested to see your comments on this…but I'm sorry if I had to I would do it again and again.
Nor because of political beliefs but because this man inspired me,a country, a continent, the world!!!!! Thanks again Madiba