Fowl Play In Turkey! Amateur Footballers Perform CPR To Save Injured Seagull Mid-Match | WATCH

Last Updated:February 24, 2026, 19:05 IST

During the Istanbul Yurdum Spor vs Mevlanakapi Guzelhisar final, Gani Catan saved a seagull with CPR after a collision, but his team lost the championship on penalties.

(Credit: X)

A freakish moment of “fowl play” in Turkey’s seventh tier ended with heartbreak for one team, but a small miracle for a seagull.

During the 1st Amateur League final between Istanbul Yurdum Spor and Mevlanakapi Guzelhisar on February 22, a low-flying seagull was struck by a powerful clearance from Istanbul’s goalkeeper in the 22nd minute.

The bird spiraled through the air and crashed onto the pitch, landing motionless with its webbed feet pointing skyward.

Captain to the Rescue

Istanbul captain Gani Catan sprinted to the scene and, in a moment that has since gone viral, began performing chest compressions on the stricken bird.

The referee halted play and called for medical assistance, treating the situation much like an injured player.

Thankfully, no further intervention was needed.

Within a minute, the seagull began moving its legs and eyes again. Catan gently handed it off to a team official for additional care.

Later speaking to Turkish media, Catan said the CPR attempt was purely instinctive.

“It was a reflex,” he admitted, despite having no formal first-aid or veterinary training.

Bird Lives, Trophy Slips Away

The seagull reportedly survived but suffered wing damage and won’t be airborne anytime soon.

As for the football? After play resumed, Istanbul Yurdum Spor fell 4-2 on penalties, dramatically losing the championship.

“We missed out on the championship, but it’s a wonderful thing to have helped save a life,” Catan stated.

“This was more important than the championship.”

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