Fenerbahce’s Bold Move: U19 Team Takes Field, then Exits Super Cup Match Against Galatasaray

Fenerbahce made a bold statement by fielding their under-19 team in the Turkish Super Cup match against rivals Galatasaray, protesting against what they perceived as unfair treatment. The young Fenerbahce side walked off the pitch after just one minute in protest.

The club had requested a postponement of the match due to their upcoming Europa League quarter-final against Olympiakos, but the request was denied by football authorities. As a result, Fenerbahce decided to take a stand by sending out their youth team.

Galatasaray took the lead through a Mauro Icardi goal before the match was abandoned, leading to their celebration as winners of the Super Cup.

Fenerbahce’s president, Ali Koc, emphasized the need for a reset in Turkish football in a news conference held earlier on Sunday. The club maintained that they took to the field not to win but to defend the truth, and they vowed to continue standing tall.

One of the reasons cited by Fenerbahce for their protest was the alleged unfavorable treatment they received from Turkish referees. This sentiment was exacerbated by recent sanctions imposed on two Fenerbahce players by the Turkish Football Federation 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 among club members.

The match, which took place in Sanliurfa, was a significant distance away from Istanbul, where both clubs are based. The location was chosen to raise funds for the victims of a devastating earthquake that struck the region last year, claiming thousands of lives.

Originally scheduled to be held in Riyadh, the Super Cup was postponed when Saudi organizers refused to allow players to wear warm-up shirts featuring the image of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey.