Support for Ali Koç from the Istanbul Fenerbahçe Supporters Association

The Istanbul Fenerbahçe Supporters Association hosted an iftar dinner at its headquarters in Başakşehir, attended by Güven Güleşçe, President of the Fenerbahçe Businessmen Association; Ali Alper Aydoğdu, President of the Lawyers for Fenerbahçe Association; Prof. Dr. Ragıp Kutay Karaca, President of the Aviator Fenerbahçe Supporters Association; Prof. Dr. Tahsin Beyzadeoğlu, President of the Fenerbahçe Healthcare Workers Association; Ahmet Enes Kartal, President of the 1907 University Fenerbahçe Association; Eyüp Hacıbedel, President of the Western Thrace Fenerbahçe Supporters Association; and Volkan Akan, representing the Sarı Lacivert Association.

Speaking at the iftar, Association President Alaattin Yavuz Güneş addressed the incidents that occurred during the Süper Lig match against Trabzonspor, stating, "We are astonished to see that there are those who want to normalize violence. The referee, who surrendered in the face of the attacks and fell into the error of thinking, 'No matter what happens, I must finish the match,' was the primary cause of the events that took place after the match."

Explaining that the pitch is the private space of the players, Güneş continued:

"It is clear and evident that those who want to characterize attacking our players using a corner flag like a spear as a 'normal attack' have nothing to do with humanity. The pitch is the player's private space, and no one can enter it. Viewing those who enter the pitch as having good intentions, or trying to throw the players who responded in self-defense against these aggressors to the lions, means holding the tongs of malice and hatred. Furthermore, defending oneself against an unjust attack is a justification under the law."

Stating that the Turkish Football Federation is responsible for the events that occurred, Güneş concluded his words as follows:

"The truths that our President Ali Koç has been trying to explain to us for a long time have now come to light. Every one of our fans who says they are a Fenerbahçe supporter and feels a sense of belonging to this club sees the truth. Our President Ali Koç is not alone in the indescribable struggle he has put forth, and he will never be left alone. We do not have the slightest doubt that the general assembly will make a decision in the best interests of Fenerbahçe. Our call to all our congress members is to pack Saracoğlu to the rafters on April 2. As the Istanbul Fenerbahçe Supporters Association, we respectfully present to the public that we will stand behind every decision the general assembly makes."

Following the speeches, President Alaattin Yavuz Güneş announced that they were collecting signatures for club president Ali Koç to continue his tenure.

Güneş noted that as an association, they had submitted 130 signature declarations and delivered the signatures for President Koç to run again in the ordinary general assembly to be held in June.

News Source: AA