Super League Suspended For One Week After Attack on Fenerbahçe

Turkey’s first and second division soccer leagues have been suspended for one week. 

The decision was imposed after an armed assault on Fenerbahçe team’s player transfer bus. 

The incident took place on Saturday after Fenerbahçe Sports Club was on its way to Trabzon Airport after defeating Rizespor 5-1. The shuttle that carried Fenerbahçeli players and its coach team were targeted with a rifle. 

The shuttle driver, on the other hand, suffered from wounds in the head. 

Sports Minister Akif Çağatay Kılıç, Football Federation of Turkey President Yıldırım Demirören and Clubs Union Foundation held press conference today announcing the suspension. 

Prior to the ruling, Fenerbahçe Sports Club administrators Mahmut Uslu and Asbaşkan Tolga Deniz Aytöre organized a press conference, saying that they would boycott the league until the perpetrators are found of the incident that risked 41 people’s lives. 

“This incident is not rivalry between Fenerbahçe and Trabzonspor teams, but a serious terrorist plot,” the statement said. 

“This is the end of football. Blood has been shed now. For us, it is not about postponing the league one week or more. What is important is the reestablishment of security.”  (YY/BM)

* Click here to read the article in Turkish.