Fenerbahçe are considering a dramatic move – withdrawal from the Turkish top-tier league – following a harrowing attack on their players by Trabzonspor fans on Sunday.
The incident unfolded after Fenerbahçe's weekend victory away from home, sparking outrage and concern within the Süper Lig and beyond.
Trabzonspor supporters stormed the pitch, sparking clashes with security personnel and Fenerbahçe players after their team's narrow 3-2 defeat on Sunday.
This disturbing event is just the latest in a string of controversial incidents that have marred the league this season.
In response, Fenerbahçe has scheduled an Extraordinary General Assembly Meeting for April 2, as announced by the Board of Directors.
The agenda will include a crucial evaluation of the actions to be taken following the incident, with the possibility of withdrawing their football Team A, from the Süper Lig, according to a club statement.
Club President Ali Koç expressed profound dismay over the events, describing them as a "shame for Turkish sports."
He highlighted the need for long-term thinking and patience to prevent further escalation of tensions between clubs.
Koç emphasized that the violence witnessed is detrimental not only to the clubs involved but to the entire country.
He also lamented the normalization of violence in society, criticizing the lack of action from relevant authorities. He expressed concern over the treatment of Fenerbahçe in the league, calling for accountability and an end to the cycle of violence and provocation.
The club's president underscored the gravity of the situation, noting that the biggest victims are Fenerbahçe fans, players, and their families.
He called for a thorough investigation into the events and urged for responsible action from all parties involved.
Looking ahead, Koç vowed to take decisive action to protect the club's interests.
He announced his resignation from the Clubs Union Foundation and pledged to steer the club's future independently, even if it means competing in a lower league.
The turmoil has not gone unnoticed by the international community, with the incident drawing widespread criticism from various quarters, including the international press and the Turkish Football Federation (TFF).
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has also condemned the violence, labeling it as "unacceptable."
Despite the off-field chaos, Fenerbahçe remain a formidable force on the pitch, currently sitting second in the standings with 79 points from 30 games.
They trail Galatasaray by a mere two points and maintain a significant 30-point lead over third-placed Trabzonspor.