Before the 2023 Turkcell Super Cup match between Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, a crisis occurred when banners and t-shirts of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of our Republic, were not allowed.
Saudi authorities did not allow the Ataturk poster, the ‘Peace at Home, Peace in the World’ banner, Ataturk t-shirts and the singing of the National Anthem before the Super Cup match, even though it was included in the contract.
Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray informed the TFF that they would not play the match if their National Anthem and Atatürk banners and t-shirts were not allowed.
To Cumhuriyet Newspaper writer Arif Kızılyalın Speaking, Fenerbahçe officials confirmed the crisis.
STATEMENT FROM ALI KOÇ
Fenerbahçe President Ali Koç said in his statement: “I would like to remind you of our Ancestor’s words, ‘Peace at home, peace in the world’. We were going to come out with this banner. As far as I understand, the authorities did not accept this. The issue has not been fully clarified.” he said.
“WE WILL NOT GO TO THE MATCH”
Galatasaray General Secretary Eray Yazgan made a statement about the crisis.
Speaking to Nevzat Dindar from Milliyet, Eray Yazgan said, “If our National Anthem is not allowed to be sung, we will not go on the field.” he said.
“MEETINGS CONTINUE”
National Team Manager Hamit Altıntop made a statement to Radyo Gol regarding the crisis: “There is a commitment regarding the National Anthem. Saudis have to comply with this commitment. Meetings on the issue are currently continuing.” he said.
“NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUE FOR THE ATATURK BANNER”
According to IHA news, In accordance with the protocol made between the country federations and the competent authorities before the organization, the National Anthem will be sung during the match ceremony and Turkish flags will be hung in the stadium.
However, negotiations are continuing with the Saudi authorities regarding the Ataturk banner and other posters that both Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe want to display on the field, which are not included in the protocol in question.
“WE DO NOT GO ON THE FIELD TOO”
Fenerbahçe Supreme Council Board President Uğur Dündar made a statement about the crisis in Saudi Arabia before the Super Cup match.
Dündar explained that the authorities in Saudi Arabia do not allow Atatürk banners and t-shirts.
Uğur Dündar’s words are as follows:
“For Fenerbahçe’s warm-up of today’s match, our football players would come out with t-shirts produced for the 100th anniversary with Atatürk’s portrait on their chests, and before the match, they would take part with the Peace at Home, Peace in the World banner with the portrait of our Great Leader Atatürk on one side and our glorious Turkish flag on the other side. Our current moment is “According to the information we have received so far, the Saudi Arabian side did not allow them to warm up before the match wearing these t-shirts and did not allow them to carry this banner. Thereupon, Ali Koç and our manager friends said, “We will not go to the field either.”
2023-12-29 12:13:00
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