Reaction from Galatasaray to Ali Koç! 'He should apologize'

Galatasaray Board of Trustees member İbrahim Göknar made a statement at the February Board of Trustees meeting.

In his statement, İbrahim Göknar said, "It is extremely important for people who hold important positions in society and perform important duties to act as role models in their actions. DNA, nature, hypocrisy, the aforementioned community, shame, hesitation—these are in parentheses. These words have been said to our community and are constantly being said by the President of the Union of Clubs, member of the European Club Association Executive Board, and the esteemed President of Fenerbahçe Sports Club, Mr. Ali Koç. A community means all of us. There may be problems with individuals, but there should not be problems with communities. As a member of the Galatasaray community, which Mr. Ali Koç refers to as 'these,' it is impossible for me as a member to accept these unfortunate words he has uttered. The sun cannot be plastered with mud."

Stating that Ali Koç should apologize, Göknar said, "Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe did not meet 6 years ago. This friendship and rivalry have existed for 120 years. Efforts to hinder this, whether consciously or unconsciously, are futile. I have been in the stands since 1959. At the very least, we, as two communities, will not allow this. We are certainly rivals on the pitch. But no one can break our friendship. We will not allow this. Moving from this point, I invite the esteemed President of Fenerbahçe Sports Club, Mr. Ali Koç, to apologize to the Galatasaray community in your presence for those unfortunate words. If the matter is about having enough heart, let no one have any doubts; no one has the power to measure the heart of Galatasaray fans."