Fenerbahce field youth players in Super Cup against Galatasaray - then walk off after one minute

Galatasaray were awarded the win as the game was abandoned after Mauro Icardi scored within seconds

Karl Matchett
Sunday 07 April 2024 16:00 EDT
Comments
(REUTERS)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Galatasaray were celebrating what might have been the quickest cup final victory on record on Sunday, after they were awarded the Super Cup in Turkey after barely a minute of action.

Rivals Fenerbahce opted to line up for the game with their under-19 team, before walking off the pitch soon after kick-off - with Mauro Icardi scoring just 50 seconds or so after kick-off for Galatasaray.

The departure from the field by the youngsters meant the match was abandoned and Galatasaray handed the victory, in what appears to be the latest stage of Fenerbahce signalling their immense displeasure with the Turkish Football Federation, just days after they called in supporter members to vote on potentially leaving the Super Lig.

In midweek, Fener members opted against that drastic course of action, which was called into possibility after the club were furious that three players and two staff members were cited by the Turkish FA for reacting to Trabzonspor fans who were attacking them, having invaded the pitch in a recent league fixture.

The Super Cup itself was rescheduled from December to now after Saudi Arabia, where the match was originally due to be played, reportedly refused to allow pre-match warm-up t-shirts featuring a picture of the founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Fenerbahce were also reportedly displeased that this new date was not altered as they prepare for a Europa Conference League clash against Olympiacos in midweek, and therefore opted to field effectively a youth side for this clash.

With Fenerbahce opting to continue in the league, they will be attempting to catch Galatasaray for that trophy instead - they trail by just two points with seven games left to play, while the two teams are due to meet on the penultimate game of the season.

Earlier this season, Turkish football was again in the headlines for negative reasons when Faruk Koca, then president of top-flight club MKE Ankaragucu, punched a referee and was subsequently banned for life.

Galatasaray celebrated their one-minute cup win
Galatasaray celebrated their one-minute cup win (REUTERS)

Onlookers to the Super Cup fixture reported that Galatasaray sent out their own reserves to play against the seniors, to enable fans who purchased a ticket to at least witness some football.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in