Drogheda United are set to face off against Trabzonspor on Thursday night in a friendly match that highlights an enduring and unique connection between the Irish club and their Turkish counterparts. The game takes place in Trabzon on the Black Sea coast and comes amid heightened interest due to Mohamed Salah’s recent transfer to the Turkish Super Lig side.
Salah was unveiled at Papara Park in August to a crowd of approximately 40,000 fans. Just days prior, Drogheda played out a goalless draw against Galway in the League of Ireland in front of 5,000 supporters, unaware that their paths would soon cross in a professional exhibition.
The friendship between the two clubs traces its origins to 2006, when Trabzonspor supporters online discovered that Drogheda’s crest featured a star and crescent, symbols also found on the Turkish flag. Further coincidences emerged as both clubs share claret and blue colours, sparking a dialogue that has lasted over twenty years.
Rian Wogan, Drogheda’s chief executive, noted the broader historical context of the relationship. He pointed out that ties between Ireland and Turkey date back to the 1800s, during which the Ottoman Sultan provided humanitarian aid to Ireland during the Great Famine by donating £1,000. The two nations are currently celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations.
The bond between the clubs solidified during a difficult period for Drogheda in 2008. When the Irish side entered examinership and faced a ten-point deduction, fans of Trabzonspor sent letters containing cash donations to support the struggling club. This act of solidarity led to an official sister-club relationship in 2010.
Plans for a ceremonial friendly in Dublin were originally scheduled for 2013 but were abandoned after a severe downpour rendered the pitch unplayable shortly before kick-off. That earlier failure makes Thursday’s fixture particularly significant as it finally delivers on promises made more than a decade ago.
When Drogheda announced the upcoming match on social media on September 2, the response from Turkey was immediate and enthusiastic. A post on X garnered over half a million views, and approximately 30% of Drogheda’s social media following now originates from Turkey. The crossover is visible on the ground as well, with Trabzonspor shirts and flags regularly appearing at Drogheda matches, and Turkish fans occasionally traveling during the week simply to view the stadium.
One devoted follower, Cafer Bektas, resides just outside Drogheda and attends every home game. Upon moving to the area, wearing a Trabzonspor jersey attracted local attention and even resulted in discounts at shops.
On the Irish side, around 30 to 35 Drogheda supporters are expected to make the 4,700km journey to Turkey, with some Trabzonspor fans offering accommodation to the visitors.
Whether the squad will include Salah remains uncertain. The Egyptian forward was omitted from Egypt’s squad for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan on Tuesday because the match was played on artificial turf. Despite this, Wogan believes Salah’s mere presence would elevate the occasion.
“He might not be in the squad, but even to have him in the stadium would be incredible,” Wogan said. “Trabzonspor have done amazing business in the last couple of windows and have really pushed the boundaries. The prospect of facing them is incredible.”
Regardless of Salah’s participation, the match serves as a celebration of an unlikely footballing alliance rooted in shared symbols, historical gratitude, and mutual support.
Thirty-five people traveling 4,700km? Those are true fans. Hope Salah shows up even just for photos.
I had no idea about the Famine aid connection! That makes this far more than just a casual friendly.