KEIR RADNEDGE REPORTS: Stefan Kuntz, German coach of the Turkish national team, has appealed to the world and the world of football for all possible help after the earthquakes which have killed and injured many thousands on and across the border with Syria.

Kuntz, a European championship-winning forward with Germany in 1996 and then successful title-winning under-21s manager, issued his plea via social media.

He said:

“Dear friends, fans, footballer followers:

“You must have heard about the earthquakes in Turkey. Thousands of people lost their mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, uncles, aunts, children, siblings and many others who are under the ruins of collapsed houses.

“More than 10 cities were affected by the earthquakes. More than 13m people live in these areas. Many friends have asked, how can you help?

“At the Turkish football association, we have created a fundraising campaign in which our national team players, my family and I participate. The donation will be transferred to the Turkish disaster management bureau, so support can reach the most appropriate places.

“It doesn’t matter whether you are German, Turkish or any other nationality from anywhere in the world. Thank you very much!”

Appeals for financial support have been launched in many countries by national emergency organisations and by the Red Cross.

Hatayspor, from Antakya, has already withdraw from the Turkish Super League in which they stand 14th and 10th-placed Gaziantep FK may follow. Christian Atsu, a Ghanaian winger for Hatayspor who played for Málaga in 2016, is still missing, as is the club’s sports director, Taner Savut.

The Turkish federation has reported the deaths of a number of players, coaches and directors from clubs from various levels in the earthquake-hit region.

Super League action was suspended after the earthquake and is not expected to restart before next month.

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