Fenerbahce members have rejected a proposal to withdraw from the Turkish Super Lig following a recent incident where their players were attacked by Trabzonspor fans.
The 19-time title winners had previously considered withdrawing from the league after their players faced aggression from Trabzonspor fans during a match in March. Despite winning the game 3-2, the match was marred by Trabzonspor supporters entering the pitch and attacking security forces and players.
Chairman Ali Koc revealed, “In all our meetings, the least preferred option was to withdraw from the league.” He further explained, “The reason why this option is not wanted is that people think we would have to deal in the lower league with the same things we deal with here. We are taking this option off the table until the general assembly at the end of the season.”
Tensions escalated when Michy Batshuayi, former Chelsea striker, scored an 87th-minute winner, prompting objects to be thrown onto the pitch. Nigeria winger Bright Osayi-Samuel and Batshuayi himself were involved in confrontations with pitch invaders.
The Turkish Football Federation reported three Fenerbahce players and two club officials to the country’s Professional Football Disciplinary Board for their roles in the altercations.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino condemned the incidents as “absolutely unacceptable,” while the Turkish Football Federation labeled them “unacceptable” and vowed to impose necessary criminal sanctions.
Following the events, Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced the arrest of 12 fans involved in the attacks.