Super Cup statement from Uğur Dündar! 'They said, in that case, we won't take the field'

Uğur Dündar, President of the Fenerbahçe High Council Board, evaluated the claims that Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe decided not to take the field following the Atatürk and National Anthem crisis in Saudi Arabia for TELE1.

Uğur Dündar stated that the Fenerbahçe team's request to participate in pre-match warm-ups and to enter the field with an Atatürk and 'Peace at Home, Peace in the World' banner was rejected by the Saudi administration, noting, "Ali Koç and our fellow executives said, 'in that case, we won't take the field,'" he stated.

Dündar’s statement is as follows:

"Fenerbahçe is more than just a sports club; it is Turkey's most important non-governmental organization, identified with the national struggle and Atatürk, having internalized the values of the Republic, and having earned a well-deserved reputation as the last bastion of the Republic. For today's match, our players were going to come out for warm-ups in t-shirts produced for the 100th anniversary with Atatürk's portrait on their chests, and before the match, they were going to take the field with a banner that had our great leader Atatürk's portrait on one side and our glorious flag on the other, reading 'Peace at Home, Peace in the World.' According to the information we have obtained so far, the Saudi Arabian side did not allow them to warm up in these t-shirts or carry this banner. Ali Koç and our fellow executives said, 'in that case, we won't take the field.' That is the situation.

Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray first wanted it to be played in Germany. However, Germany did not accept it due to security concerns. Since Saudi Arabia is focusing on international tournaments, this was accepted with the federation's suggestion as well. However, while Fenerbahçe's sensitivity towards Atatürk is clear and its commitment to the values of the Republic is indisputable, they carry that spirit to those lands wherever this match takes place.

The TFF is in contact with Saudi Arabian officials. But we cannot allow this. If necessary, the team will withdraw from the field. We will play the match on our own soil with our Atatürk portrait and our banner.”

News Source: 12punto