Istanbul derby abandoned after fans storm pitch, throw chair

[JamieMCFC]

Soccer derbies don’t get any more contentious than those between Istanbul’s three major clubs — Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Besiktas — and unfortunately, fan violence marred the first derby of the Turkish Super Lig season.

The match between Besiktas and Galatasaray had to be abandoned after fans flooded the pitch to fight with security personnel and riot police.

Tempers boiled over after Galatasaray’s Felipe Melo was given a red card with the away side leading 2-1 and the match heading into stoppage time. At that point, Besiktas fans began making their way threateningly onto the field, causing the match officials and both teams to seek shelter in the dressing rooms.

What followed was pure chaos. Hundreds of fans stormed the pitch, many of whom carried lawn chairs as weapons. Chairs and various objects were hurled about, punches were thrown, and in the midst of the melee, the red-carded Felipe Melo was even hit by a bottle.

Reports suggest the havoc started after clashes between Besiktas fans and riot police took place inside the stadium, although the Turkey Football Federation will deliver their verdict, along with the official match result, in the coming days.

http://blog.foxsoccer.com/post/62080694 ... itch-throw

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[london blue 2]

Dickheads

[Ted Hughes]

Giving them all chairs is an interesting concept.

[Evenmydoghatesunited]

According to the FA (any guesses what that stands for?) Istanbul are favs to get the Euros in 20202. Bring yr own chairs.

[Nigels Tackle]

According to the FA (any guesses what that stands for?) Istanbul are favs to get the Euros in 20202. Bring yr own chairs.

i'll nearly be as old as john68 by the time that one comes around....

is the whole stadium kitted out with patio furniture?

[Ted Hughes]

According to the FA (any guesses what that stands for?) Istanbul are favs to get the Euros in 20202. Bring yr own chairs.

i'll nearly be as old as john68 by the time that one comes around....

is the whole stadium kitted out with patio furniture?

Englad fans will have theirs confiscated.

[Chopper]

Giving them all chairs is an interesting concept.

Post of the week.

[city9_4eva]

Bloody hell! I thought the few scuffles after the derby on Sunday were bad, although I did think it was a little silly of the police letting both sets of fans out at the same time

[dick dastardley]

if that happened over here we'd be banned for 10yrs!!!