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I am suspending my Galatasaray fandom as of today!

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Galatasaray President Dursun Özbek is a successful administrator…

He kept all the promises he made before becoming president for the second time.

He reduced the club's debts.

With the world-class stars he transferred to the football team, he gave his fans the taste of a championship last year, and this year they are again one of the two biggest candidates for the title…

He has taken unprecedented steps in the club's history regarding infrastructure and facilities.

I acknowledge all of that!

But…

As a lifelong Galatasaray fan, I say that this “successful” president must resign immediately, starting today…

Because…

Before the local elections, he took a clear stance in favor of AKP candidate Murat Kurum.

During Murat Kurum's visit to the Galatasaray Football Club, he clearly showed his side by saying, “My personal opinion is that the Honorable Minister is a chance for Istanbul…”

This duo came together again the other day, and Murat Kurum “patted” the cheeks of the president of a great club like Galatasaray, holding them between his two hands.

Just like one would pet a small child…

Perhaps it was a very sincere gesture; but it saddened millions of Galatasaray fans like me.

In fact, it crushed us!

Mr. Dursun Özbek…

If you are going to be the president of a community that has won the hearts of millions, such as Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş, or Trabzonspor, you must be careful!

Because from the moment you are elected president of one of these clubs, you are no longer just yourself!

You are the representative of millions in Istanbul, Edirne, Iğdır, Antalya, and Sivas…

You might be a thief in real life; but from the moment you are elected, you cannot steal!

You might be shameless; you will learn decency and manners!

You might not care about pride; from that moment on, you will.

You might be right-wing… You will not be!

You might be left-wing… You will not be that either.

You might be a womanizer. You will forget it.

You might be a chatterbox. You will keep quiet.

You might be a gambler. You will repent!

You might be a drunkard. You will not drink in public and humiliate your community!

You might be arrogant; you will take lessons in politeness!

In short, Mr. President, as I said above, you will forget all your identities; you will not do anything or say anything that will embarrass, anger, frighten, or make the people you represent feel belittled…

If you absolutely must show your political identity, you will stand with Atatürk, the founding leader of this country; you will recognize nothing else!

As one of the millions who have been devoted to the yellow and red colors since birth, I was satisfied with you until a month ago, President Dursun…

You are hardworking, dedicated, polite, and embracing…

When necessary, you would move mountains and cross oceans for your club…

We saw all of this.

I acknowledge it!

But…

As the representative of millions belonging to different political parties, ethnic origins, religions, and sects, you went and showered praise on a political party's mayoral candidate!

This behavior also saddened and hurt us; but we didn't speak up.

We said it was a “road accident” and moved on…

But what is this “having your cheeks patted”, my brother?

Are you a child?

Are you naive?

Or are you a sycophant?

Are you a servant seeking approval?

How could you not catch those hands reaching for your cheeks in mid-air and turn it into a handshake between two equals?

How could you make millions of fans appear as if they are supporting a political party that they might not support at all, just like me?

The club you manage may be very successful.

You might even make them champions again this year in football!

You might make them write epics in Europe!