The U-19 side of Fenerbahce made a bold statement during the Turkish Super Cup final against arch-rivals Galatasaray, walking off the pitch just one minute into the game in protest against alleged unfair treatment by football authorities.
The match, which took place amidst Fenerbahce’s preparations for a crucial Europa Conference League quarter-final clash against Olympiakos, saw Galatasaray take the lead through a Mauro Icardi goal before their opponents made their protest.
The decision to field the under-19 side came after Fenerbahce’s request to postpone the match due to their impending European fixture was rejected by football authorities.
Fenerbahce president Ali Koc, in a news conference earlier on Sunday, emphasised the need for a reset in Turkish football, hinting at systemic issues within the sport.
Fenerbahçe’s U19s conceded a goal in the first minute and then walked off the pitch against Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Cup final
Galatasaray were crowned champions and played with their reserve team#3SportsGH pic.twitter.com/Om9f8dsepF
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) April 7, 2024
Expressing their stance in a post-abandonment statement, Fenerbahce reiterated their commitment to upholding the truth, stating that their appearance on the pitch was not aimed at victory but rather to defend their principles.
The club also highlighted their call for a foreign referee for the match, citing concerns over biased officiating by Turkish referees.
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This protest comes in the wake of recent controversies surrounding Fenerbahce, including the sanctioning of two players following an altercation with Trabzonspor fans during a league game.
Despite contemplating withdrawal from the Turkish Super Lig, the club ultimately opted to remain in the competition following a vote by its members.
The Super Cup final, initially slated to be held in Riyadh last December, was postponed after Saudi organisers objected to players wearing warm-up shirts bearing the image of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Turkey’s revered founding father.
They will now focus on the crucial matchup against Olympiakos on Thursday, April 11, 2024 in the Europa Conference League.