Erman Toroğlu Leaves His Posts at Sözcü TV and Sözcü Newspaper

Former referee and sports commentator Erman Toroğlu announced on Sözcü TV's live broadcast last night that he was leaving the organization. Toroğlu said he had given up both his roles, at Sözcü TV and at the Sözcü newspaper.

In a statement to POV Sports, Toroğlu said that behind his decision to leave were objections to certain practices. The commentator, who said he had faced situations he neither expected nor wanted, made clear that he would not submit to some of the sanctions.

Pointing out that layoffs are continuing, Toroğlu said that his departure alone could spare 10 to 15 people, and that his younger colleagues would keep working. He said his principle is "nerede tırak orada bırak," roughly meaning to put the tool down right where you are. He explained that when he was refereeing, he officiated every match as if it were his last, and that on television he appeared on every program as if it were his last program.

The commentator stressed that his statement was not an impulsive reaction and that his words came out only once. He ended his statement by saying, "I am not İsmail Kartal."