sport news Hull City's owner Acun Ilicali believes Turkey's first home match will be a ... trends now

Acun Ilicali, the Hull City owner, spends most of his life in front of the television cameras, hosting some of the most watched programmes in Turkey. 

But when the region was hit by the most powerful Earthquake in 80 years, Ilicali was merely a helpless viewer.

‘We just lived in front of the television, every minute,’ Ilicali says. ‘It was a disaster time, we were all crying, everybody was crying. We were just waiting and hoping for more lives to be saved.’

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake which hit southeastern Turkey, near the Syrian border, has claimed the lives of over 50,000 people.

Turkey will play Croatia in Istanbul on Tuesday - their first home international fixture since the earthquake struck 50 days ago.

While emotional tributes will be paid to those who lost their lives, Ilicali believes it will be a night of hope rather than sadness.

‘Now it's time to think more positive and to support the survivors,’ Ilicali says.

‘I would say that it's not going to be a night of a funeral, it's going to be a night of hope.

‘We lost so many people, so many people have been damaged - they lost their homes, they lost their jobs, they lost everything and the economy is a complete disaster. 

So it's a long journey to support that. We've just started a new era to support these people. This night will be more of a supportive night for everybody so that we give more hope to people for the future.’

In the aftermath of the disaster Ilicali helped to provide temporary housing and clean water and he also hosted two television charity shows to raise money for those affected.

‘I lost my parents in a traffic accident so I know what it is to be without parents at a young age,’ Ilicali explains.

‘I was 20 when I lost them so when something like that happens, I always share their feelings because I have already lived that experience.