Bredlow criticizes loud whistle concert at Galatasaray Stadium
Goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow of VfB Stuttgart has after the shitstorm before the Champions League appearance criticized the loud whistles in the Galatasaray Stadium in Istanbul as unnatural and questioned the origin of the sounds.
The Swabian explained that it had been difficult to converse in the Rams Park because the volume was unusually high, especially due to the whistles. He said this after the disappointing 0-2 defeat in the Turkish metropolis. He emphasized that he did not know whether the whistles were produced by people.
"Especially when singing was happening and suddenly whistles came, I thought: Something's not right," Bredlow said, describing the moment when the whistle concert changed the atmosphere.
The continuous whistling at almost every Stuttgart ball touch caused confusion, he added.
"It was loud. Especially at the beginning it was very, very loud," Bredlow described the start of the game. "Occasionally, during the match, it was actually a bit muted. I can still hear it well," he added.
Sport director Fabian Wohlgemuth confirmed that he did not have to cover his ears, and saw the loud atmosphere more as motivation, that they all endured and stayed healthy.
Reactions of those involved
Captain Deniz Undav reacted almost annoyed and said: "I don't care at all. I'm proud that we held our own here."
Stuttgart falters in Champions League start in Istanbul
Ermedin Demirovic was amazed by the support and said: "I've never experienced such support before."
VfB Stuttgart had already received a shitstorm from Galatasaray fans before the match, because the loud audience in the Gala stadium had caused trouble beforehand.
In a social media post Stuttgart posted a speaker system in the stadium with three pondering emojis and humorously suggested that the whistles were artificially generated.
Some Galatasaray supporters interpreted the post as an accusation, became angry and commented fiercely, after which VfB deleted the post and publicly apologized.
In the apology the Bundesliga club wrote: "Dear Gala community, we did not intend to hurt anyone. We thank you for the hospitality in Istanbul and wish a fair, exciting match."
Stuttgart's unbeaten Champions League run ends against Galatasaray
Galatasaray accepted the apology, thanked and said they are pleased to be able to welcome the team with one of the best football atmospheres in the world.
Nevertheless, many angry VfB fans remained active in the comments under the apology.
After the match Galatasaray released a video in which a speaker repeatedly plays the word "Goodbye" – a small side jab at VfB.
The 0-2 defeat was VfB's first loss in this Champions League season; in the three previous matches the Swabians had collected seven points and thus retained good chances of reaching the knockout round.