In a stunning turn of events, Fenerbahce’s under-19 side staged a protest during the Turkish Super Cup match against rivals Galatasaray, walking off the pitch after just one minute of play.
The young Fenerbahce team took a stand against what they perceived as unfair treatment by football authorities, particularly regarding the scheduling of the match. Fenerbahce had requested a postponement of the game due to their upcoming Europa League quarter-final clash against Olympiakos, but their plea was rejected.
Galatasaray took an early lead through a goal from Mauro Icardi, but the match was abruptly abandoned when Fenerbahce’s under-19s decided to forfeit the game in protest.
The decision led to Galatasaray being declared the winners of the Super Cup, sparking celebrations among their players and fans.
Prior to the match, Fenerbahce president Ali Koc emphasized the need for a reset in Turkish football, highlighting the club’s frustration with the current state of affairs.
In a statement issued after the abandoned game, Fenerbahce reiterated their commitment to standing up for what they believe is right, stating that they took to the field not to win but to defend the truth.
The club had also called for a foreign referee to officiate the game, citing concerns about biased treatment from Turkish referees.
The protest comes in the wake of the Turkish Football Federation’s decision to sanction two Fenerbahce players with one-match bans following an incident involving Trabzonspor fans during a league game.
Despite considering leaving the Turkish Super Lig, Fenerbahce ultimately decided against it after a vote by club members.
Sunday’s match, which was originally scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was relocated to Sanliurfa, Turkey, with proceeds intended to support victims of a devastating earthquake that struck the region last year.
The Turkish Super Cup has been marred by controversies, including the postponement of the original fixture in Riyadh due to disputes over player attire, reflecting broader tensions within Turkish football.