"Besiktas publicly denounces internet harassment following the online mistreatment experienced by Jurasek and Arroyo"
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In the world of sports, the issue of digital bullying and online abuse towards athletes is becoming increasingly prevalent, and Turkey is not immune to this global concern. A recent incident involving Turkish football club Besiktas and their players, David Jurasek and Keny Arroyo, has brought the issue to the forefront.
Following Besiktas' 4-2 home defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk in a Europa League qualifier, the players were subjected to intense online harassment from fans blaming them for the poor result. David Jurasek, who played the full match and was seen as responsible for all four conceded goals on his side, was heavily criticized online. He temporarily deactivated his Instagram account due to the backlash but reactivated it later.
Keny Arroyo, similarly targeted, removed posts showing himself in the Besiktas jersey and eventually shut down his social media presence entirely. The club responded by condemning this digital bullying strongly, launching a campaign called “No to digital bullying,” urging respect for athletes and their families, and emphasizing the unacceptability of personal attacks online.
This case highlights a broader concern in Turkey and globally, where athletes increasingly suffer from cyberbullying—a form of online harassment that can include abusive messages, rumors, and social exclusion. According to broader research, cyberbullying in sports can have severe psychological effects such as depression, anxiety, and withdrawal from public life.
In Turkey specifically, research indicates that bullying and cyberbullying among athletes are significant issues, with limited data but evidence of substantial prevalence ranging from 7% to over 50% in some forms. The increase in online abuse after poor performances underscores the pressure athletes face in digital spaces where moral judgment can be irrational and harsh.
Thus, the situation around Besiktas players is part of a wider and growing problem of digital moral deviance and online abuse in sports, exacerbated by fan frustration following disappointing match results. The club's statement reiterates their commitment to addressing digital harassment and creating a more respectful digital environment for their players.
References:
[1] Besiktas issues statement condemning digital bullying after harsh criticism was directed at players David Jurasek and Keny Arroyo on social media. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/soccer/besiktas/story/4714506/besiktas-issues-statement-condemning-digital-bullying-after-harsh-criticism-was-directed-at-players-david-jurasek-and-keny-arroyo-on-social-media
[2] Turkish football: Besiktas condemn online abuse after David Jurasek and Keny Arroyo targeted. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/62684565
[3] Yildirim, A., & Yıldırım, O. (2018). Bullying among athletes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence and correlates. Journal of Sports Sciences, 36(15), 1667-1676.
[4] Smith, P. K., & Christofides, N. (2018). Cyberbullying in sports: A review of the literature, implications for athletes, and recommendations for prevention and intervention. Journal of Sport Behavior, 41(4), 393-410.
- Under the glare of European leagues, Turkish football clubs and their players like David Jurasek and Keny Arroyo have faced online bullying, a trend seen even in nations like Turkey.
- The Turkish football team, Besiktas, strongly condemned this cyberbullying after their players were targeted, emphasizing the importance of respect and resilience in the face of personal attacks during sports-analysis discussions.
- Given the research showing the psychological effects of cyberbullying on athletes in Turkey and worldwide, it is crucial for Turkish sports clubs to address this issue, fostering a positive and supportive digital environment for their players.
