It has been 10 years since St Johnstone faced Turkish side Eskisehirspor in Europe.
But tributes offered in both directions over the weekend proves their fans have long memories – and plenty of lingering respect.
When news of serious financial problems at Eskisehirspor – who have been relegated twice in as many seasons following the imposition of a signing embargo – landed in Perth, Saints supporters reacted.
İskoç kulübü St Johnstone taraftarının, dünkü Kilmarnock maçında açtığı pankart: "Eskişehirspor'u kurtarın, Anadolu yıldızı parlasın." pic.twitter.com/nKwBE0h0qM
— SPOR (@yenisafakspor) October 30, 2022
A banner unveiled by supporters group Fair City Unity in the first half of Saturday’s win over Kilmarnock read: “Save Eskisehirspor – Let the star of Anatolia shine bright”.
Images of the banner quickly reached Turkey via social media and were quickly picked up by the media.
Perth fans’ gesture was not lost on their Eskisehir counterparts, who were filmed displaying a St Johnstone flag during their side’s 2-1 win over Yomraspor on Sunday.
Eskisehirspor fans last night with a St Johnstone appreciation flag, while singing 'St Johnstone Ole Ole Ole'@Eskisehirspor @StJohnstone pic.twitter.com/kWvg9JmTXe
— Scottish Football Away Days (@days_scottish) October 31, 2022
A friendship between supporters and officials of the sides was struck when they were drawn against each other in the 2012/13 Europa League qualifiers.
Eskisihirspor ran out 3-1 aggregate winners after a 2-0 win in Turkey and a 1-1 second leg draw at McDiarmid Park.
But links struck up between the clubs have lingered, with Saints releasing an away kit using Eskisehirspor’s red and black colours in 2013/14.
Financial problems have rocked the Turkish club in recent years, with World Soccer magazine reporting debts of €26 million in April 2021.
They currently sit 15th in the fourth tier of the Turkish game, just one point above the relegation places.
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