A World Cup TV commentator was sacked during the half time break of Canada’s final group game against Morocco.
The African nation stunned the world to qualify as the top team in Group F — knocking out European powerhouse Belgium in the process.
Their 2-1 win over Canada on Friday was the end of the line for the North American country — and it may also be the end of a Turkish TV host’s career, The Sun reports.
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Commentator Alper Bakircigil had his viewing of the Morocco victory cut short at half-time for mentioning to viewers in Turkey that the fastest ever goal in World Cup history was scored by Hakan Sukur.
The mere mention of Sukur didn’t go down well with his employers TRT and he was replaced mid-match.
Bakircigil was right – Sukur did score the fastest ever goal in World Cup history, in 2002 against South Korea.
However, Sukur’s post-retirement antics make him a controversial figure.
During his career, ex-Blackburn ace Sukur was one of the biggest stars in Turkish football, scoring 51 goals in 112 appearances for his country.
However, after his retirement, he entered politics and was later linked with terrorism.
Sukur and his family then fled to the United States after he was accused of playing a role in a failed coup attempt in 2016.
The 112-capped Sukur is now said to be an Uber taxi driver.
However, he has spoken out on the accusations of terrorism.
He told German news outlet Welt Am Sonntag: “I have nothing left. Erdogan took everything: my right to freedom, my right to freedom of speech and my right to work.
“I never did anything illegal. I am not a traitor or a terrorist.”
Morocco plays Spain in the Round of 16 on Wednesday morning.
— This story originally appeared on thesun.co.uk and has been republished with permission
