GSStore releases 43-second video amid 'yellow bag' controversy; Amedspor demands apology

GSStore, the licensed merchandise store of Galatasaray, removed a 17-second promotional video released after the Amedspor match that was alleged to evoke a "yellow bag" reference, then posted a 43-second extended version of the same content on its X account one day later.

At the center of the controversy is the "Invincible" limited-edition jersey specially prepared for Barış Alper Yılmaz, who scored the final goal in Galatasaray's 4-3 victory in the Super Lig Week 11 match against Amedspor on November 7. Critics argued that the golden tissue paper shown in the original video resembled the "yellow bag" carried by PKK militants; the store stated that this interpretation occurred unintentionally.

Amedspor President Nahit Eren said that simply removing the post was insufficient and demanded an official apology from Galatasaray: "We invite you to explain to the public the purpose of this post and those responsible for it, to initiate necessary proceedings against those responsible, and to apologize."

Fifteen bar associations, including those from Diyarbakır, Van, and Mardin, issued a joint statement condemning the post and announced they would pursue legal action, while the Galatasaray Lawyers Platform claimed the "yellow bag" comparison constituted defamation and announced it would file a criminal complaint.

In the 43-second video subsequently released by GSStore, the golden packaging is shown being opened with Yılmaz's jersey emerging from inside. A second six-and-a-half-minute video featuring the player was shared with the note "This time up close." It was pointed out that the term "Invincible" appeared clearly in the original promotional material.