Fenerbahce field U19 team in protest, forfeit Super Cup after 1 minute
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It was a dramatic evening in Turkish football.
Galatasaray barely broke a sweat before they were crowned Turkish Super Cup champions, as Sunday's game ended prematurely when Fenerbahce walked off the pitch in protest after conceding in the first minute.
Fenerbahce fielded their under-19 squad to face rivals Galatasaray, an apparent protest and expression of their displeasure with the Turkish Football Federation after their players were attacked by Trabzonspor fans during a match.
The youthful side left the pitch after Mauro Icardi scored in the opening minute, forcing match officials to abandon the contest and award the Turkish Super Cup to Galatasaray.
the moment Galatasaray was officially declared the Champion of the Turkish Super Cup after the withdrawal of Fenerbahçe.pic.twitter.com/ceB7Yu86TN
— Viral Football (@ViralFootBallx) April 7, 2024
Fenerbahce are also believed to be upset with league officials who rejected their plea to have Sunday's game postponed ahead of their Europa League quarterfinal against Greek side Olympiacos on Thursday, according to Reuters.
The dramatic end to Sunday's game comes days after Fenerbahce considered withdrawing from the Turkish Super Lig in protest after their players were attacked in March. The club voted to remain, but Fenerbahce are expected to hold another vote after the season ends.