Mert Çelik apologized for his suspension from football

"Sivasspor" footballer Mert Çelik, who used to be a member of the Azerbaijani national team, has commented on his 45-day suspension from football as part of a betting investigation conducted by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF). Sport24.az reports that the 25-year-old player, who also played for "Neftchi" and Sabail" in Azerbaijan, made a statement on his social media account regarding the issue:

"I am deeply disturbed by an issue that has been on the agenda of the Turkish Football Federation for some time, in which my name is also mentioned and which damages our reputation.

I feel the pain of the punishment that came my way years later for registering on an internet site in my childhood even more deeply in recent days. It is impossible to express in words the shame I feel in the face of this situation that I have caused my family, loved ones, and all the people of Sivas. Still, I am somewhat comforted that I have left this process behind with the lightest punishment.

No one should doubt that I will continue my efforts day and night during this period.

When I return to the field, I will continue to fight to the last drop of my sweat for the people of Sivas and the great "Sivasspor". I sincerely apologize to the entire "Sivasspor" family for occupying the agenda."