Fenerbahçe reacts to PFDK referrals! 'Self-defense reflex ignored'

Fenerbahçe Board Member in Charge of Legal Affairs Fethi Pekin made an announcement regarding the events that took place during the Trabzonspor match and the subsequent PFDK referrals.

The statement expressed that the athletes were merely defending themselves against what occurred on the pitch, and that citing this as a reason for referral to the PFDK as 'fighting with opposing team fans' does not align with the facts. Furthermore, it was stated that the individual's right to self-defense is a fundamental right under both national and international law, and that they will fight to defend this right.

The statement is as follows:

"Our Valued Community,

Following the organized and planned lynching attempt we were subjected to during the Trabzonspor match, the referral of our athletes to the Professional Football Discipline Committee (PFDK) has once again laid all the facts bare.

What we have meant since the first day of this process is now understood more clearly following these decisions.

Our athletes only tried to defend themselves on the pitch. They exercised their right to self-defense.

However, unfortunately, the stance they took solely to defend themselves was referred to the PFDK for a reason that does not align with reality, such as 'fighting with opposing team fans,' and our players' reflex to protect themselves and their teammates was ignored.

The individual's right to self-defense is accepted as one of the fundamental rights in both national and international legal norms.

We will fight to the end to defend this right."