'Do not take the field' reaction on social media: 'Atatürk banner' crisis in Saudi Arabia

The 2022-2023 Super Lig champion Galatasaray and Turkish Cup winner Fenerbahçe are set to face each other in the Super Cup match.

Ahead of the match, which is scheduled to begin at 20:45 on Friday, December 29, in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, a crisis erupted over allegations that banners and t-shirts featuring Mustafa Kemal Atatürk were not permitted.

EMERGENCY MEETING

It was alleged that Saudi authorities did not allow the two teams to take the field with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk banners and pre-match t-shirts in celebration of the 100th anniversary of our Republic, and that club officials insisted on taking the field with them due to the sensitivity of the matter.

An emergency meeting was planned shortly thereafter, to be attended by Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe officials.

ALI KOÇ HAD ANNOUNCED

Fenerbahçe President Ali Koç had previously stated the following in his remarks on the subject:

"I would like to remind everyone of our Ancestor's quote, 'Peace at home, peace in the world.' We were going to take the field with this banner, 'Peace at home, peace in the world.' As I understand it, the authorities have not accepted this. The matter is not yet fully clarified."

"NO ISSUE WITH THE NATIONAL ANTHEM OR THE FLAG"

Journalist Onur Tuğrul stated in a post on social media that he had spoken with the authorities and said the following:

"The TFF says there is no problem regarding the National Anthem or the Turkish flags.

This was an issue on the Galatasaray side. It had been announced. There was also a request for a banner. It is being discussed.

Fenerbahçe's request for a banner and special Atatürk t-shirts is also being discussed.

Currently, Turkish and Arab officials are in official contact to resolve the issues. The clubs are also in contact with the federation."

News Source: 12punto