BLAST apologize for misrepresenting flameZ leading to row with Turkish fans
Today BLAST have issued an apology to Shahar "flameZ" Shushan for embroiling the player in a manufactured controversy with Eternal Fire fans after showing a picture of the Israeli star giving the "middle finger" during his team's match against Eternal Fire.
Essentially the controversy boils down to BLAST deciding to air the clip between maps in the intense series, giving the impression flameZ was giving the "middle finger" to Eternal Fire, when in fact the picture was taken prior to the match and was simply banter between flameZ and freelance photographer Stephanie "Vexanie" Lingren.
This questionable editorial choice by BLAST led to outrage from Eternal Fire's fans, who are known for being a vocal and impassioned fan case to hurl abuse and death threats towards flameZ for his supposed lack of respect for their team.
With this situation having the potential to spiral out of control, especially owing to current geopolitical tensions, BLAST were quick to come forward and apologize for causing the row being flameZ and the Turkish CS2 community. However, based on flameZ's X account at the time of publication, it may be some time before Turkish fans move on despite their team, Eternal Fire, being set to play in the finals of the BLAST Bounty Spring 2025 tomorrow.
