De Bruyne Did Not Celebrate His Goal, Showed Respect to the Izmir Memorial

In the UEFA Nations League, Turkey and Belgium faced each other at the Gürsel Aksel Stadium in Izmir. Before the match, a tribute was paid in memory of the workers who lost their lives in the explosion at a factory in the Aliağa district of Izmir on November 9. The Turkish players also took the field wearing black armbands.

18 workers died and 15 were injured in the explosion. The memorial ceremony held before the match, which followed a tragedy that plunged the country into mourning, became one of the most talked-about moments of the game.

Belgium's star player Kevin De Bruyne did not celebrate after he scored against Turkey. While the Belgian player's attitude drew attention, some Turkish fans also applauded his behavior and showed their appreciation.