Fethiyespor sent to Football Discipline Committee for wearing t-shirts reading ‘Great Atatürk’

ISTANBUL – Doğan News Agency

Each Fethiyespor player wore a t-shirt with one big letter during the pre-match line-up againt Fenerbahçe at the Şükrü Saraçoğlu Stadium in Istanbul on Dec. 4. DHA photo

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has sent second-tier club Fethiyespor to the Professional Football Discipline Committee (PFDK) for wearing t-shirts reading “Great Atatürk” during the national anthem ceremony before their Turkish Cup game against Fenerbahçe on Dec. 4.

“Out of the whole world, football fields are aimed to be places where only the game is played and watched. During their Turkish Cup match against Fenerbahçe, it was noted that Fethiyespor had appropriated for themselves values embraced by the nation for the purpose of sparking a debate,” the TFF said in a statement on Dec. 6, adding that disciplinary procedures were launched against the Mediterranean club.

“The sport association to which our federation belongs has adopted universal principles and rules. We rest assured that our clubs will show the due sensitivity on this matter and point out that disciplinary procedures will be initiated upon behaviors contrary to these principles and rules,” the statement added.

Each Fethiyespor player wore a t-shirt with one big letter during the pre-match line-up at the Şükrü Saraçoğlu Stadium in Istanbul. The 11 letters formed the word “Yüce Atatürk” (Great Atatürk) as the national anthem was played. 

“The message reached its destination,” Fethiyespor’s Chairman Özkan Özcan Güneş said regarding the t-shirts. He also explained that they did not request permission, for they knew it would be rejected.  

On the sporting side, the club from the heavenly southern resort of Fethiye fighting against relegation in the first division had against all odds stunned their rivals who are currently leading the Turkish Super League with a 2-1 victory.