In one of the strangest moments ever seen on a soccer pitch, an amateur final in Istanbul came to a screeching halt over the weekend when a goalkeeper's clearance struck a low-flying seagull midair, sending the bird crashing lifelessly to the field - and players responded by performing CPR until it revived.
The incident unfolded during the Istanbul 1st Amateur League Play-Off Final, played in the Zeytinburnu district, pitting Mevlanakapi Guzelhisar against Istanbul Yurdum Spor. In the 22nd minute, Istanbul Yurdum Spor goalkeeper Muhammet Uyanik struck the ball away from his penalty area in a routine clearance.
The ball struck a flying seagull, which fell to the ground. Uyanik said he did not realize what the ball had hit at first, and only understood what happened after he approached the white object that dropped from the sky. He described feeling shocked and deeply upset, noting that it was still a living creature.
Team captain Gani Catan sprinted over after recognizing the fallen bird. He said the seagull appeared unresponsive and unable to breathe, and that his first instinct was to start CPR. Initially using two fingers to perform chest compressions, he quickly realized more force was needed and switched to full-hand compressions.
Catan performed compressions for about two minutes. As he kept going, he reported seeing movement return to the bird's legs and eyes, after which the seagull began to regain responsiveness. Water was given, and the bird was then carried to the sideline and handed to medical staff present at the match. Catan said he had not received any formal first-aid training, and described the intervention as a reflexive attempt to save the animal.
The seagull survived - but just barely. 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 in for treatment. Veterinarians reported the seagull was already confidently standing on its feet, though it cannot yet fly.
The match's live broadcaster said the moment drew intense attention and led to many people reaching out to ask about the seagull's condition, describing the broadcast falling quiet as the situation unfolded.
The team whose goalkeeper hit the seagull ultimately lost the match.
Video of the remarkable rescue circulated widely on social media, drawing global attention and praise for Catan's instinctive compassion in the middle of a championship final.
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