Scuffle Controversy Resumes as Police Releases Detainees

Last night’s soccer derby between Beşiktaş and Galatasaray has been  called due to supporter invasion in the additional time. 66 detained supporters were released this morning. 

Fırat Aydınus, the referee, called off the game only minutes before the end of the game where Galatasaray was winning by 2-1.  

The incident broke out as Galatasaray’s senior mid-field player Melo committed a rough fault on   Motta, Beşiktaş’s new left wing player. Referee Aydınus flashed a red card to Melo who protested the decision by taking off his jersey and flashing it to Beşiktaş supporters.  Upon that, some protestors started to invade the pitch, which was intervened by the police by tear gas and batons. 

After a scuffle broke out, Galatasaray players and referees fled to the changing rooms. 

Controversy

Several rumors started to spread on social media as tensions transition to a scuffle at the stadium. 

While some held çArşı soccer fan group responsible for the incident, others claimed that 5,000 free tickets were distributed randomly which were mostly taken by “1453 Kartalları” soccer fan group. 

Experts said that Beşiktaş might face a penalty to play up to 8 games without spectators. Various sources also reminded that Beşiktaş will play its home games in Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Stadium in Kasımpaşa district - which brought the possibility of a tension between politically opponent Kasımpaşa and Beşiktaş supporters. 

çArşı sent a twitter message, saying that some invaders were reciting religious chants which they claimed to point out the 1453 Kartalları group. 

“We will not stop chasing this case. We are investigation,” the tweet said. 

1453 Kartalları, on the other hand, sent the following tweet the day before the game:

“1453 Kartalları is not a platform that only remains silent and eats seeds during the game. Come and watch us today, you will understand it.” (EKN/BM)

* Photo credit: Onur Çoban / AA

* Click here to read the original article in Turkish.