The intense Turkish derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce was temporarily halted on Monday after a group of fans threw flares at rival supporters.
Even before kickoff at Rams Park, tensions were high as both teams refused to shake hands on the pitch. The heated atmosphere escalated in the 52nd minute when referee Slavko Vincic stopped the match following reports of Fenerbahce fans launching projectiles at Galatasaray supporters.
Despite the chaos, the 30,000 police officers stationed at the stadium swiftly restored order, allowing the game to resume. However, the disturbances in the stands overshadowed the action on the pitch, as the derby ended in a goalless draw— a result that dented Jose Mourinho’s hopes of closing the gap in the Super Lig title race.
The appointment of Vincic, a foreign referee, was a controversial decision by the Turkish Football Federation. While Galatasaray reportedly opposed his selection, Mourinho supported it, calling the Slovenian a "top-level" official.
"The decision has been made, and he is a top-level referee. I think it's important for credibility," said the former Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham manager before the match. "I am happy with this decision. Although it may not seem like it sometimes, I am someone who values fair play. We want to win, they want to win. I hope it will be a great match."
Fenerbahce had the best chance to break the deadlock in the 67th minute when Filip Kostic delivered a corner that found Alexander Djiku. His powerful header was expertly saved by Galatasaray’s veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, who then denied Edin Dzeko’s rebound effort with a remarkable double stop.
Muslera's heroics ensured Galatasaray remained unbeaten in the league, with 20 wins and four draws from 24 matches. The result keeps Okan Buruk’s side in firm control of the title race as they push for a third consecutive Super Lig championship.
Mourinho’s Fenerbahce will now shift their focus to the Europa League, where they host Rangers in the first leg of their last-16 tie on March 6, before traveling to Ibrox for the return leg a week later.
Even before kickoff at Rams Park, tensions were high as both teams refused to shake hands on the pitch. The heated atmosphere escalated in the 52nd minute when referee Slavko Vincic stopped the match following reports of Fenerbahce fans launching projectiles at Galatasaray supporters.
Despite the chaos, the 30,000 police officers stationed at the stadium swiftly restored order, allowing the game to resume. However, the disturbances in the stands overshadowed the action on the pitch, as the derby ended in a goalless draw— a result that dented Jose Mourinho’s hopes of closing the gap in the Super Lig title race.
The appointment of Vincic, a foreign referee, was a controversial decision by the Turkish Football Federation. While Galatasaray reportedly opposed his selection, Mourinho supported it, calling the Slovenian a "top-level" official.
"The decision has been made, and he is a top-level referee. I think it's important for credibility," said the former Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham manager before the match. "I am happy with this decision. Although it may not seem like it sometimes, I am someone who values fair play. We want to win, they want to win. I hope it will be a great match."
Fenerbahce had the best chance to break the deadlock in the 67th minute when Filip Kostic delivered a corner that found Alexander Djiku. His powerful header was expertly saved by Galatasaray’s veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, who then denied Edin Dzeko’s rebound effort with a remarkable double stop.
Muslera's heroics ensured Galatasaray remained unbeaten in the league, with 20 wins and four draws from 24 matches. The result keeps Okan Buruk’s side in firm control of the title race as they push for a third consecutive Super Lig championship.
Mourinho’s Fenerbahce will now shift their focus to the Europa League, where they host Rangers in the first leg of their last-16 tie on March 6, before traveling to Ibrox for the return leg a week later.
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