Steve Brown, the St Johnstone chairman, was grateful for what he called "a reminder of what football should be about" after a summer overshadowed by the collapse of Rangers and its consequences.
Brown returned from Turkey, where his team lost 2-0 in the first leg of their tie with Eskisehirspor, impressed by the welcome received by club officials and fans.
"Football has been hijacked by negativity in Scotland for the last three months. But we can't keep complaining about everything," said Brown, whose side will face Olympique Marseille if they can overcome the two-goal deficit in Perth on Thursday.
"This game in Turkey was a timely reminder of what football should be about."
The trip to Turkey was one of the longest hauls the Perth club could have landed and travel arrangements had to go on hold until the original draw was confirmed.
Brown said: "The 'Welcome to Hell' tag could not be further from the truth after our experience over there. It's totally misleading because we could not have asked for more from the people of the city and the football club. We were humbled by the way they treated us from the moment we stepped off the plane, when we were met with flowers and handshakes and smiles. They treated us like royalty.
"When people think of Turkey they maybe think of fanatical fans and perhaps the place being a bit hostile. But it was not that way at all, certainly not in Eskisehir. Fans of both clubs were having a fantastic time together in the streets and bars. The supporters all behaved themselves.
"European trips don't come along all that often for St Johnstone but this was one to remember thanks to our hosts. I've never had hospitality like it in my life. The Turkish people were a credit to their club, their city and country. We could not have asked for more.
"We really need to put our thinking caps on for returning their hospitality. They are staying in Edinburgh, which changes things logistically.But after a trip like that it is totally refreshing to be talking about the football again."
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