The 2023 Turkcell Super Cup match between Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe, which was planned to be played this evening in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, was canceled after the crisis. Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe refused to go to the field after Atatürk banners and t-shirts were not allowed. It was announced that the match would not be held as the demands of the clubs were not met.
Stadium officials, Al Awwal Stadium They started evacuating the audience. This unexpected development created a great disappointment before the match and caused great sadness among the fans.
Statement from TFF
In the statement made by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), “The Super Cup Match will start with a moment of silence for our Martyrs, in the presence of our Turkish Flag, within the scope of the 100th Anniversary Celebration Activities, and with the artist Norm Ender reading our National Anthem.” statements were included.
Hamit Altıntop, TFF Board Member Responsible for National Teams, made the following statement: “There is a letter of undertaking regarding the reading of the National Anthem. Saudi officials must also fulfill this commitment.”
What Was Approved and What Was Not Approved?
Saudi officials, To the reading of the National Anthem And He allowed the Turkish flag to be raised. However, Ataturk t-shirts and banners were not allowed to be displayed.I. The reason given was that these demands were not conveyed in advance and that the organization should proceed as planned.
Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe wanted to wear t-shirts symbolizing Atatürk for their warm-up exercises before the match. Galatasaray, “How happy is the one who says I am a Turk!” with a banner saying, Fenerbahçe “Peace at home peace in the world” He wanted to go on the field with a banner containing his message. However, their requests were not accepted and they were not allowed to go on the field like this.
He was expelled because he had Atatürk’s picture on the jersey
A fan who traveled to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for the Turkcell Super Cup match wore Fenerbahçe’s 100th anniversary jersey. However, according to the fan, this jersey was taken out by the stadium officials because it had an image of Atatürk.
After the crisis Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe, They started preparations to return to Turkey. At the ongoing meeting of Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak, TFF President Mehmet Büyükekşi, Galatasaray President Dursun Özbek and Fenerbahçe President Ali Koç, it was stated that the two clubs took steps to return to Turkey.
It was reported that the managers, who did not attend the meeting but received information from the club presidents, were in communication with their teams and planned flights to return to Turkey. After the meeting, Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe are expected to make a joint statement.
