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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:
fundhermental · 17/05/2023 22:21

The elections would be over by the time they host the games and it's not a Turkish derby. It would be a event where people would go just for the experience. There would be extra police and security to make sure the event runs smoothly so they can host again in the future.

Soproudoflionesses · 17/05/2023 22:22

RunningFromInsanity · 17/05/2023 22:10

Racism probably

Show quote history

Always one

AndIKnewYouMeantIt · 17/05/2023 22:22

I don't think Turkish football hooliganism is an issue when neither side is Turkish! I'd let him go.

ImAGoodPerson · 17/05/2023 22:23

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.

If I knew someone who had gone previously then I would be happier about it myself. In the same way I could say the same for many other grounds that I've been to that may have bad reputations.

Minierme · 17/05/2023 22:24

In your situation, no. I think it all depends on the dad and whether you trust their judgement in the moment. I know if things seemed unsafe my DH would prioritise my son’s safety above everything, even if it meant missing the match or leaving or otherwise ‘ruining’ the experience. If you aren’t sure if your ex would, then I’d say no.

Whowhatwherewhenwhy1 · 17/05/2023 22:25

No. I have lived in Istanbul and seen the violence and hooliganism that can erupt after high stake football matches there. I think 10 is just too young.

ThereIbledit · 17/05/2023 22:26

I don't think Turkish football hooliganism is an issue when neither side is Turkish! I'd let him go

You've not seen English hooliganism then, when neither side is English?

Kanaloa · 17/05/2023 22:27

When you say you don’t trust his dad, how do you mean? I think that would inform my decision as much as (or maybe more than) where the match would be taking place. If he is not a good dad or is often unreliable then I wouldn’t want him going abroad with a young kid anyway.

ThereIbledit · 17/05/2023 22:28

It would be a no from me. He's too little, too easily harmed in a crush and not grown up enough to deal with if he is separated from dad in a crowd.

LizHoney · 17/05/2023 22:28

Not a fucking chance.

fundhermental · 17/05/2023 22:29

I'm married to a Turk that worships Besiktas and have been to a few Derby's against Fenerbahce and Galatasaray in the past and never witnessed hooliganism. Besiktas supporters are probably the most passionate and will sell their limbs for their team but apart from chanting and occasional flares, there's no drunken brawls most people are hoping for on this thread. The game won't involve Turkish teams and the security would be flawless as it's hosting it on a world stage.

HundredMilesAnHour · 17/05/2023 22:29

At age 10? Absolutely not. Given the Turkish history of football violence, the current political situation and a father who you're not entirely confident about, why would you take the risk? He's too young at 10. What happens if they get separated or something happens to his father? Is a 10 year in a foreign country really capable of dealing with that?

Original poster
Bluemoonmother · 17/05/2023 22:30

If it makes any difference, he's never been on holiday with just his dad. It's not because I've said no. He's never asked.

OP posts:
beeskipa · 17/05/2023 22:36

Having been to a cup final abroad, I think 10 is probably a bit young - especially if he's never travelled with just his dad before.

It'll be a very long day or two, he'll be absolutely knackered and overwhelmed so maybe not the best at concentrating when he needs to stick close to his dad and not get caught up in crowds, it's INSANELY busy everywhere including the airport, emotions are running high and the crowds are stressful enough when you're not 2ft shorter than everyone there. If he gets panicked or separated from his dad, it'd be horrible for him.

Throw him a party at home to watch it and get his dad to bring him a scarf home or somthing. He can go to a cup final when he's a bit older!

shelbabab · 17/05/2023 22:46

I would but I'm a big fball fan and I went to a lot of big important games with my dad at that age.

So long as his dad is a sensible kinda guy and wouldn't get drunk or anything when he's with him. I'd still worry it's only natural but I'm sure all will be fine. It wld be an amazing experience for him.

BananaSpanner · 17/05/2023 22:56

Im a football fan. I would definitely consider letting him go with his dad if dad is responsible. But it would depend on how likely he was to get a legitimate ticket, what travel and accomodation arrangements (ie through authorised tour operator). It’s a fantastic opportunity for him, non football fans will not appreciate it. But I wouldn’t let him go if I couldn’t guarantee authenticity of the tickets and be completely confident in the safety of all the other details of the trip.

LadyJ2023 · 17/05/2023 23:38

Awww for goodness sake it's the child's father he's going with

PeloMom · 18/05/2023 05:01

Since you don’t trust his dad that’s be a ‘no’.

evuscha · 18/05/2023 05:14

With a responsible dad you fully trust, I would.
In your particular situation, I wouldn’t.

Peppacorn · 18/05/2023 05:27

AndIKnewYouMeantIt · 17/05/2023 22:22

I don't think Turkish football hooliganism is an issue when neither side is Turkish! I'd let him go.

Exactly! I thought some of the comments above were ridiculous too lol.

Guavafish1 · 18/05/2023 05:34

Yes - Turkey is safe and there will be a lot of security.

I would let him go.

FelicityFlops · 18/05/2023 05:39

Does he want to go?

Beezknees · 18/05/2023 05:50

If you don't trust his dad, then no. That's the most important bit imo.

FrenchandSaunders · 18/05/2023 05:55

Will his dad be drinking a lot? Are other people going?

RabbitRabbitRabbitHouse · 18/05/2023 06:03

I'd love to be able to take mine. Fair enough they are a bit older but what an experience.