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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Would you let your 10yo travel to Istanbul for the Champions League final?

100 replies

Bluemoonmother · 17/05/2023 21:58

DS's dad will want to take him to the game. I know children do travel to these matches but I'm nervous about it. He's been to UK matches but travelling to Turkey for such a high stakes match concerns me. I want him to be safe. AIBU?

OP posts:
Wolbarker · 17/05/2023 22:01

No.

TokyoSushi · 17/05/2023 22:02

I'd be a bit 😬 but I'd probably let him go, it's a big deal!

TeaKitten · 17/05/2023 22:02

Honestly no I wouldn’t.

JayAlfredPrufrock · 17/05/2023 22:02

With his dad he’ll be fine.

TeaKitten · 17/05/2023 22:03

JayAlfredPrufrock · 17/05/2023 22:02

With his dad he’ll be fine.

Depends on the dad though.

Does he go abroad to games much? Is he a drinker? Who else is going? It’s all relevant.

Sissynova · 17/05/2023 22:03

He's been to UK matches but travelling to Turkey for such a high stakes match concerns me. I want him to be safe.

In what way do you think it wouldn’t be safe? He will be with his dad.

pilates · 17/05/2023 22:05

Why wouldn’t he be safe?

Addymontgomeryfan · 17/05/2023 22:06

The football hooliganism in Turkey is rife and vicious. Based on that I wouldn't let my DC. Most countries I wouldn't have an issue with, but Turkey isn't a country I would feel comfortable allowing DC to attend a football match.

Jeannieofthelamp · 17/05/2023 22:07

In terms of ground safety, Istanbul hosts major football matches on a very regular basis, it's as safe to go to a big match there as it is at any other big city.

ImAGoodPerson · 17/05/2023 22:08

My DS went to Barcelona at 6 yo but I'm not sure I'd feel massively comfortable about Istanbul. Not sure why really

ScribblingPixie · 17/05/2023 22:08

Are you going to see how the election pans out first?

RunningFromInsanity · 17/05/2023 22:10

ImAGoodPerson · 17/05/2023 22:08

My DS went to Barcelona at 6 yo but I'm not sure I'd feel massively comfortable about Istanbul. Not sure why really

Racism probably

Fantina · 17/05/2023 22:10

Yes I would if I trusted the dad. It would be easy to get separated so I’d genuinely expect them to hold hands!

ImAGoodPerson · 17/05/2023 22:13

RunningFromInsanity · 17/05/2023 22:10

Racism probably

Show quote history

Oh give over. Do you follow football at all? I'm guessing not if you can't think of any reason why it might be an issue.

fundhermental · 17/05/2023 22:13

Police and security in Turkey is top notch. I wouldn't be too concerned plus I would be more worried about matches in France and Italy especially concerning English fans with their drunken behaviour that start trouble!

Original poster
Bluemoonmother · 17/05/2023 22:13

Maybe I'm wrong but I feel like if things kick off there (no pun intended) it will be handled differently from here.

I've seen Spanish fans in Manchester being 'boisterous' at far less crucial matches.

I don't particularly trust his dad, no. We're not together and DS lives with me so I would have to give permission.

OP posts:
RunningFromInsanity · 17/05/2023 22:15

ImAGoodPerson · 17/05/2023 22:13

Oh give over. Do you follow football at all? I'm guessing not if you can't think of any reason why it might be an issue.

Show quote history

Season ticket holder.
Also been to Istanbul.

Hope that makes me qualified.

Fantina · 17/05/2023 22:15

I think your answer is there re the trust of his dad. Perhaps say no not this time then. They can have a good time watching it at home or in a family friendly pub or something, it would still be a great atmosphere for your DS.

ImAGoodPerson · 17/05/2023 22:16

Addymontgomeryfan · 17/05/2023 22:06

The football hooliganism in Turkey is rife and vicious. Based on that I wouldn't let my DC. Most countries I wouldn't have an issue with, but Turkey isn't a country I would feel comfortable allowing DC to attend a football match.

I agree with this. In my post I meant I am not sure of the main reason why I wouldn't feel comfortable. Ds has been to many matches where the teams are known for hooliganism but we have always been familiar with the grounds, routes home and safety procedures as we've been to pretty much all of them. I am not familiar with Istanbul particularly.

There are lots of reasons but I can't put my finger on one in particular.

UndercoverCop · 17/05/2023 22:16

I am a football fan and I wouldn't. The fan behaviour, violence, fireworks, flares etc are common place in Turkish football, terrifying for a ten year old and too much of a risk that something would go wrong.
I probably wouldn't even go myself and I have in other countries.

ImAGoodPerson · 17/05/2023 22:17

RunningFromInsanity · 17/05/2023 22:15

Season ticket holder.
Also been to Istanbul.

Hope that makes me qualified.

Show quote history

It doesn't make you qualified to call someone racist based on no information.

TheGuv1982 · 17/05/2023 22:18

That’s the experience of a life time. Let him go.

IF it was against a Turkish side, I’d say differently, but Istanbul has hosted finals before with little issue.

Like others have said, the election scenario means there’s another element of risk attached, but I’d keep an eye on foreign office guidance on travel to Turkey for that.

Nap1983 · 17/05/2023 22:19

Depends on the dad tbh. I’d allow my DH to take mine. A lot of the football “hooliganism” you see on TV is organised and the people involved want to be

Lifeisnotabedofroses · 17/05/2023 22:20

My 6 year old went to a huge Istanbul derby with his dad. Had a great time.
And as a family 4 of us (one 6, one 9) husband and I went to another game.

Definitely would. Would be delighted for him.

Original poster
Bluemoonmother · 17/05/2023 22:20

I don't stop him going to other matches. I've taken him! But he's used to going to the match and straight home and doesn't really see any of the before and after of it.

In some ways he's quite young for his age and I can imagine him being scared.

Things have changed since I was his age but I remember being a small person amongst a crush of adults in a strange place at a much smaller fixture.

OP posts:
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