Behind the scenes of the jets at the Konyaspor-Fenerbahçe match revealed: The general who gave the order has been dismissed

The sound of F-16s and Sikorsky helicopters passing over the stadium during the Turkish Cup quarter-final match between Konyaspor and Fenerbahçe was even audible on the live broadcast. It was alleged that the aircraft were flown over the stadium on the orders of Major General Mete Kuş, the Konya 3rd Main Jet Base and Garrison Commander. It has been learned that following this order, which he gave due to his known support for Konyaspor, Kuş was removed from his post and reassigned to the Air Force Command Headquarters.

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Behind the scenes of the jets at the Konyaspor-Fenerbahçe match revealed: The general who gave the order has been dismissed

In the Turkish Cup Quarter-Final match, Konyaspor hosted Fenerbahçe on its home turf, and in the 120th minute of the match, which went into extra time, the home team secured its place in the semi-finals with a penalty goal.

As much as the result of the match, the passage of F-16s and Sikorsky helicopters over the stadium while the game was being played became a major topic of conversation. While the reason for the movement of the aircraft, the sound of which was reflected in the live broadcast, was a matter of curiosity, a notable change in duty took place in the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) following the match.

Major General Mete Kuş, the Konya 3rd Main Jet Base and Garrison Commander, who is known to have met with Konyaspor fan groups at various events, was removed from his post a few days after the match and reassigned to the Air Force Command Headquarters.

While the reason for this change, which is considered a "demotion" within the TSK, was a matter of curiosity, journalist Barış Terkoğlu shared information about the behind-the-scenes of the process on an Onlar TV broadcast.

Barış Terkoğlu: “The general who flew the jets at the Fenerbahçe-Konya match has been dismissed.” pic.twitter.com/swqmR6WrV8
— Fener Ajans ???? (@ajansfenercom) April 28, 2026

Following the banner unfurled in the stadium featuring images of jets and the text "Success to the Eagles of the Grass from the Eagles of the Skies," it was alleged that the organization was carried out in coordination between Konyaspor fans and certain officials at the Konya 3rd Main Jet Base Command.

It was stated that Major General Mete Kuş's duty station was changed after the aircraft and helicopters flew over the stadium during the match.

FAREWELL MESSAGE REVEALED

After the events were met with backlash within the TSK, it was learned that Kuş was moved to the Air Force Command Headquarters, which is seen as a more passive duty, and that Brigadier General Esat Çetin was appointed as the new Konya 3rd Main Jet Base and Garrison Commander.

Kuş's farewell message sent to his fellow soldiers via WhatsApp has also emerged. He used the following expressions in his message:

"My dear friends, I am giving you this news so that you hear it from me. As of next Tuesday, I have been assigned to the Air Force Command. On Tuesday, Brigadier General Esat Çetin will take over the duty from me. My greatest happiness in this process is that none of my friends have been harmed. All my effort was for this. What is important is that the 3rd Main Jet Base Command maintains its unity and solidarity and that it continues to improve in every way, every day, and in every direction."

CELEBRATED AUGUST 30 WITHOUT COMMEMORATING ATATÜRK

On the other hand, a celebration video prepared by the Konya 3rd Main Jet Base Command under the command of Major General Mete Kuş on August 30, 2024, had previously caused controversy in the public eye. While the video included a holiday message addressed to AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, it was criticized for not including any mention of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

While the expressions in the video in question were found to be "exaggerated" by the opposition, harsh reactions came from the CHP. The expressions Kuş used in the video were as follows:

"Mr. President... We present our respects from the 3rd Main Jet Command in Konya. As the fearless eagles of the boundless skies, we are in the infinite heavens without tiring or faltering. With the courage and heroism we take from our history, our work continues day and night as one of the best air forces in the world, just as it was yesterday and always will be. I celebrate the August 30 Victory Day and the Turkish Armed Forces Day of your Excellency and the Turkish nation."

Politics in the barracks from an Erdoğan-fan Pasha!

Major General Mete Kuş filmed a video with soldiers at the Konya 3rd Jet Base Command for the August 30 Victory Day and published it on TikTok. He did not mention Atatürk's name and sent a congratulatory message to Tayyip Erdoğan: “Your Excellency…” (Tarık Işık/Sözcü) pic.twitter.com/gokNzn3n6A
— Haber Aktif (@haberaktifcom) September 7, 2024