Beşiktaş handed four-game ban for pitch invasion in derby against Galatasaray

ISTANBUL

Galatasaray was leading the match 2-1 at the time; the PFDK has not yet ruled whether to let the result stand as is or award the Lions a 3-0 victory. AA photo

Beşiktaş will play four matches behind closed doors after the Professional Football Discipline Committee (PFDK) handed the Black Eagles a harsh punishment for a pitch invasion during a home derby game against Galatasaray at Istanbul’s Atatürk Olympic Stadium over the weekend. 

The committee also fined Beşiktaş 70,000 Turkish Liras, while coach Slaven Bilic, who was sent off in injury time moments before dozens of spectators jumped onto the field, was banned for three games for allegedly insulting the referee.

Galatasaray’s midfielder Felipe Melo, who shown a red card after sliding through fellow Brazilian Ramon Motta in injury time, was handed a two-game suspension. Melo’s reaction to the red card in the second additional minute of injury time triggered a massive scuffle in some of the tribunes. 

Galatasaray was leading the match 2-1 at the time; the PFDK has not yet ruled whether to let the result stand as is or award the Lions a 3-0 victory.

As a result of the ban, Beşiktaş will play its home matches against Rizespor, Kardermir Karabükspor, Torku Konyaspor and Sivasspor behind closed doors.

An investigation into the spectators who invaded the field is continuing. Over 30 people were taken into custody on Sept. 25, although 27 were released early today. Some 68 people were detained right after the incident on the night of the derby.

Only Beşiktaş received punishment as supporters of the visiting side are not permitted to watch their team at the ground in derby games, due to new Turkish Football Federation regulations.

Many have suggested that a group of provocateurs in the tribunes precipitated the pitch invasion. Interior Minister Muammer Güler also hinted that the incident could have had wider causes.  

"We will do what is required by the police department, given that there are varying aspects involved. We will try and determine if there was any pre-planning prior to the game,” Güler said in the wake of the fracas.

The match also broke an attendance record in Turkish football, with 76,127 ticketed spectators reported to have watched the match, although observers have said many more entered without tickets.