Fenerbahce players made a bold statement during Sunday's Turkish Super Cup match against Galatasaray, walking off the pitch after just one minute of play. This unexpected move led to the game being abandoned, resulting in Fenerbahce conceding the trophy to their opponents.
The decision to withdraw from the match came as a surprise, especially considering that Fenerbahce had fielded their Under-19 team for the game. The match was initially rescheduled to take place in Sanliurfa, approximately 1,000 km away from Istanbul. However, following a goal by Galatasaray's Mauro Icardi, Fenerbahce opted to exit the game.
Reports indicated that Fenerbahce had requested a postponement of the match due to their upcoming Europa Conference League quarterfinal against Olympiakos Piraeus. Despite their plea, the request was denied, leading to the club's decision to abandon the Super Cup match.
Fenerbahce's president, Yildirim Ali Koç, addressed the situation, referring to it as a 'rebellion' in a statement released on the club's website. Koç highlighted perceived injustices that the club had faced over the years and called for a reset in Turkish football.
Prior to the Super Cup incident, two Fenerbahce players, Irfan Can Egribayat and Jayden Oosterwolde, had received one-match bans from the Turkish soccer federation following an altercation during a Superlig game against Trabzonspor. The match had ended with Trabzonspor fans storming the pitch, leading to sanctions against both clubs.
Fenerbahce, known for its massive fan base and rich history, reaffirmed its commitment to upholding national values and standing firm in the face of challenges. The club's social media post on Sunday emphasized their resilience and determination to continue their legacy.
The Turkish Super Cup, originally scheduled to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in December, faced a postponement due to a reported dispute over players wearing T-shirts featuring Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, during the warm-up. The match was ultimately rescheduled, only to be marred by the dramatic turn of events involving Fenerbahce and Galatasaray.
