Turkish match turns violent as Fenerbahce's president is pushed off the pitch
President of Fenerbahce Ali Koc goes down to the sidelines and went to the Fenerbahce stands where foreign objects were thrown at him from the stands during Turkish Super Lig match between Goztepe and Fenerbahce at Gursel Aksel Stadium in Izmir, Türkiye on August 17, 2024. (AA Photo)
August 18, 2024 01:00 AM GMT+03:00
In the second half of the match between Fenerbahce and Izmir's Goztepe, unusual incidents occurred. After the first half, Fenerbahce President Ali Koc visited the away fan section, where objects were thrown from the Goztepe supporters' area.
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Fenerbahce President Koc falls
As Koc returned to his designated area in the second half, bottles of water were thrown from the Goztepe section, striking him and causing him to fall down on the floor.
Before the start of the second half, Fenerbahce President Koc went down to the sidelines to join the Fenerbahce fans in the stands and was pelted with foreign objects from the stands.
IZMIR, TURKIYE - AUGUST 17: President of Fenerbahce Ali Koc returns to his seat after checking Fenerbahce fans during Turkish Super Lig match between Goztepe and Fenerbahce at Gursel Aksel Stadium in Izmir, Turkiye on August 17, 2024. ( Mahmut Serdar Alakus - Anadolu Agency )IZMIR, TURKIYE - AUGUST 17: President of Fenerbahce Ali Koc goes down to the sidelines and went to the Fenerbahce stands where foreign objects were thrown at him from the stands during Turkish Super Lig match between Goztepe and Fenerbahce at Gursel Aksel Stadium in Izmir, Turkiye on August 17, 2024. Ali Koc was hit by someone and fell to the ground, then got up and returned to the protocol tribune. ( Mehmet Emin Mengüarslan - Anadolu Agency )IZMIR, TURKIYE - AUGUST 17: President of Fenerbahce Ali Koc goes down to the sidelines and went to the Fenerbahce stands where foreign objects were thrown at him from the stands during Turkish Super Lig match between Goztepe and Fenerbahce at Gursel Aksel Stadium in Izmir, Turkiye on August 17, 2024. Ali Koc was hit by someone and fell to the ground, then got up and returned to the protocol tribune. ( Mehmet Emin Mengüarslan - Anadolu Agency )
Koc went to the stands because there were some Fenerbahce fans who were not allowed into the away stand.
Koc left the away stand about 5 minutes after the start of the second half and was walking on the sidelines when he was hit by someone and fell to the ground. He then got up from the ground and returned to the protocol tribune.
'Night of football terrorism'
Security personnel intervened to manage the situation and prevent further disruptions. The match ended in a 2-2 draw.
Following the game, Fenerbahce TV issued a strong statement: "We are witnessing a night of football terrorism. The situation is extremely dangerous."
August 18, 2024 01:00 AM GMT+03:00