A Turkish Super Cup match ended in chaos as it ended after 101 seconds. It was between Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray. The latter had scored before the former left the field and hence, forfeited the tie 1-0.
This walkout wasn't done for fun. It was a delibarate act. It was pre-determined for Fenerbahçe to field an U-19 side. This was done in protest to the apparent unfair treatment from Turkish authorities. They waited until Mauro Icardi, a Galatasaray striker, scored before leaving the field abruptly. Fenerbahçe president, Yıldırım Ali Koç, stated, on their website, that a "rebillion" was taking place.
This was in accordance to the number of injustices throughout the years. He said, "It is time for a ‘reset’ for Turkish football." They believe that they are being bullied. They had requested the Cup tie to be postponed due to their European commitments - they take on Greek side Olympiakos on Thursday. They have also demanded a foreign referee due to mistreatment by their compatriot referees. The Turkish Football Federation rejected both requests.
The Super Cup tie was initially scheduled for 29 December in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. However, it got postponed at the last minute due to Saudi organisers refusing to allow players to wear warm-up shirts bearing the image of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, to celebrate the centenary of the Turkish Republic. The organisers said that political slogans were banned.
I don't directly follow Turkish football but this is appalling on the officiating side. If all this is true on Fenerbahçe's side, I would stand with them. If I were to find out that I was being treated unfairly, I would hold a protest of some kind. In terms of the walkout, I wouldn't take the field in the first place. I would line up, shake hands and head for the dugout.
I can only guess that nothing more than talk will come of this. Fenerbahçe will most likely face a fine. Official statements may be released but it will all come to nought. It'll be a major talking point for the next few days and then it will be kept quiet and under the rug for all eternity.
The only way I see Fenerbahçe getting some justice and resolution is through unity. I know this isn't a unique idea and that I'm getting it from one of my favourite movies, V for Vendetta, but I believe that a united front will garner more attention. A movement formed by the club and its fans will put pressure on the federation to do something that will make everything fair game for the club. Continue with the way that you are doing things and nothing will come of it. There is strength and power in unity and having a united front.
A reset is definitely needed. Everyone and in this case, every club, is equal. They shouldn't be judged and treated differently just because of their success. We might as well live in the Medieval ages, where there were classes, if equality doesn't exist.