Source: REUTERS/Dilara Senkaya
[Saba Sports News] On the eve of the Turkish
Super Cup final, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray announced their lineups. However,
to the surprise of many, Fenerbahce fielded their U19 team for the final,
causing a significant stir and attracting minimal media and fan attention. It
was later revealed that Fenerbahce’s decision to send their youth training team
to the final was an expression of dissatisfaction and protest. This protest
stemmed from a serious security incident involving hundreds of individuals
during a Turkish Super League match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce on March
18. Fenerbahce’s gesture was intended to convey their discontent and protest to
the Turkish Football Association. As a consequence, broadcasters who had
acquired the rights to broadcast the final have requested full refunds from the
relevant authorities. Following the aforementioned match, Fenerbahce players
remained on the field to celebrate, which drew the ire of the home fans. One
fan managed to breach the security and was swiftly restrained and confronted by
Fenerbahce players and staff. Subsequently, a large number of fans stormed into
the stadium, resulting in a chaotic brawl involving hundreds of individuals.
After the altercation, Turkish police arrested 12 people. Additionally, two
Fenerbahce players were suspended, and Trabzonspor received a six-game home
stadium ban and a fine of $94,000.