Adana Demirspor’s Technical Director, Vincenzo Montella, strongly criticized the attack on Henry Onyekuru by his own fans, as the Nigerian winger was subjected to whistling after their team’s victory over Kasimpasa in a Super Lig clash.
The incident was triggered by Onyekuru’s association with players from Galatasaray, his former club, as he was caught on camera fraternizing with them after Adana Demirspor’s defeat earlier in the month.
In a post-match media interview, Montella acknowledged Onyekuru’s emotional nature but defended the player, stating, “He is an emotional athlete. And he acted in good faith.” Montella expressed his disapproval of the fans’ behavior, stating, “I don’t want it to happen again.” He further emphasized that Onyekuru had acted with good intentions.
Onyekuru had previously played on loan at Galatasaray in multiple seasons, including winning a league title with them in the 2018/19 season. Adana Demirspor’s president, Murat Sancak, had also condemned Onyekuru’s actions, and the recent incident of whistling by fans has drawn attention to the tensions surrounding the player’s association with his former club.
Montella’s comments highlight his support for Onyekuru despite the fans’ reaction, emphasizing the player’s emotional nature and good intentions. The title encapsulates Montella’s defense of Onyekuru as an “emotional athlete acting in good faith,” condemning the whistling by fans at the Nigerian winger.