Condolence messages pour in following Hatayspor’s Savut’s demise

After two weeks of mounting tension and uncertainty, the worst news imaginable came on Tuesday when Hatayspor announced that the lifeless body of their missing sporting director Taner Savut had been discovered under the rubble of the Rönesans residence, which was destroyed in the rubble was the result of the twin earthquakes in the south-east of Türkiye.

The announcement sparked an outpouring of sorrow and support from the Turkish sports community, which was spearheaded by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF).

On its official website, TFF said: “It is with deep sadness that we learned that Taner Savut, the sporting director of Hatayspor, one of the Spor Toto Süper Lig clubs, lost his life in the earthquake that suffocated our country. May the Almighty have mercy on Taner Savut; Our condolences to his grieving family, relatives and Hatayspor community. In this situation, we once again wish the Almighty’s mercy to all our citizens lost in the earthquake and our wounded a speedy recovery. Condolences to our beloved nation. May these sufferings end and never be experienced again.”

Hatayspor manager Volkan Demirel shared an emotional message: “I am in indescribable pain at the loss of our Hatayspor sporting director, my precious colleague, my brother with a beautiful heart, Taner Savut. You will always be remembered with great love and respect. My condolences to all his fans and all of us.”

Alongside the messages from those close to him at Hatayspor, other clubs also jumped in to share their consolation messages.

Galatasaray, leaders of the Süper Lig, said: “It is with deep sadness that we learned that former Hatayspor footballer and sporting director Taner Savut died in the earthquake disaster. May the Almighty have mercy on the deceased. We send our condolences to his sad family, relatives and the entire football community.”

Galatasaray’s arch-rivals Fenerbahçe also said: “It is with deep sadness that we learned of the death of Hatayspor sporting director Taner Savut, who wore our jersey for a while. May the Almighty have mercy on the deceased. Our condolences go to his family. Hatayspor and our football community.”

Defending champions Trabzonspor said: “It is with deep sadness that we learned that Hatayspor sporting director Taner Savut died as a result of the earthquake disaster. May the Almighty have mercy on the late Taner Savut; we send him our condolences from his family, relatives, fans and the Hatayspor community.”

Kayserispor said on social media: “It is with great sadness that we learned that Hatayspor’s sporting director Taner Savut also lost his life in the earthquake disaster that suffocated our country. May the Almighty have mercy on the deceased; Our condolences go to his family and the Hatayspor community.”

Adana Demirspor said: “It is with deep sadness that we learned that Hatayspor sporting director Taner Savut lost his life in the earthquake that hit our country. May Almighty bless Savut. We send our condolences to his family, his fans and the Hatayspor community.”

Süper Lig, 18th place Istanbulspor, said: “It is with great sadness that we learned that Hatayspor’s sporting director Taner Savut lost his life in the Hatay earthquake. May the Almighty have mercy on the deceased; Our condolences go to his family and Hatayspor community.”

Antalyaspor said: “It is with great sadness that we learned that the sporting director of Hatayspor, Taner Savut, also died as a result of the earthquake disaster. May Almighty Taner bless Savut. Our condolences go to his family, his fans and the Hatayspor community.”

Alanyaspor expressed its condolences, saying: “It is with deep sadness that we learned that our former footballer, captain and sporting director, Hatayspor Sporting Director Taner Savut, died in the earthquake disaster. May the Almighty have mercy on the deceased; We extend our condolences to his sad family, relatives and the entire football community.”

Ankaragücü declared: “May the Almighty have mercy on Hatayspor sporting director Taner Savut. We offer our condolences to the Hatayspor community, especially his family. Rest in peace.”

Konyaspor also said: “May the Almighty have mercy on Hatayspor sporting director Taner Savut. We offer our condolences to the Hatayspor community, especially his family. Rest in peace.”

Giresunspor said on social media: “It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Taner Savut, Sporting Director of Hatayspor. May the Almighty have mercy on the deceased Hatayspor community.”

Emre Belözoğlu also said: “May the Almighty give patience to your family and may you rest in heaven, Brother Taner.”