Fans tear-gassed ahead of Besiktas' first match in swanky new stadium
Besiktas' first match in their newly rebuilt Vodafone Arena was marred by tear gas and water cannons.
According to AFP, Turkish police on Monday used the extreme measures to disperse thousands of supporters.
Monday's match against Bursapor was sold out long in advance and thousands of Besiktas fans filled roads outside the venue just to be nearby the opening game.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) kicks the ball
On Sunday, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a closed-to-the-public opening for the newly renovated stadium, to the anger and frustration of fans.
Despite the opening day conflicts, Besiktas fans can be happy about their new stadium. Vodafone Arena is certainly an attractive one.
The new arena stands on the same ground, on the shores of the Bosphorous, as their previous stadium, which was torn down in 2013. The very bright, $100 million new facility seats 42,000 fans and includes some pretty high-tech additions.
For example, there are 'smart' lounge areas that have built-in screens and high-speed Wi-Fi.
Even the players seemed to enjoy getting out on the new field ahead of Monday's game.
Antiraman yeni statta mac pazartesi!
— Marcelo Guedes (@MarceloGuedes02) April 9, 2016
Training in our new stadium for the game on Monday!@Besiktas pic.twitter.com/iHK7hD0pvC
Another fun fact about the new venue, the pitch is actually situated below sea level.
#VodafoneArena tarihi maça hazır!#Beşiktaşhttps://t.co/3YKbtXRoUm
— Beşiktaş JK (@Besiktas) April 11, 2016
Despite the altercations between fans and police outside, Besiktas got off to a good start in their new home, beating Bursapor 3-2.
