Drogheda United to Face Trabzonspor in Long-Awaited Friendly
Drogheda United travel to Turkey to play Trabzonspor, renewing a two-decade connection between the clubs.
Drogheda United will play a friendly against Trabzonspor on Thursday at the 40,000-seat Papara Park in Trabzon, Turkey, as part of a long-standing relationship between the two clubs.
The connection began in 2006 when Trabzonspor fans noticed Drogheda's star and crescent crest and claret and blue colours, leading to online exchanges. In 2008, after Drogheda entered examinership and were deducted 10 points, Trabzonspor supporters sent letters with cash to help. Two years later, the clubs became official sister clubs.
A planned ceremonial friendly in Dublin in 2013 was cancelled due to a freak rainstorm. Thursday's match has been eagerly anticipated. When Drogheda announced the fixture on 2 September, the post on X was seen over half a million times. About 30% of Drogheda's social media following is from Turkey, and Trabzonspor shirts and flags are common at Drogheda matches. One Trabzonspor fan, Cafer Bektas, lives near Drogheda and attends every game.
Between 30 and 35 Drogheda supporters are making the 4,700km trip, and some Trabzonspor fans have offered their homes to visiting supporters. Drogheda chief executive Rian Wogan said the prospect of facing Trabzonspor is incredible, adding that even if Mohamed Salah is not in the squad, having him in the stadium would be special. Salah was left out of Egypt's squad for Tuesday's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan due to the artificial turf.
The wider relationship between Ireland and Turkey dates back to the 1800s, when the Ottoman Empire provided aid during the Great Famine. This year marks 75 years of diplomatic relations. The friendly highlights the enduring bond between the two clubs.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
