Trabzonspor President Ertuğrul Doğan reacts to PFDK penalty

Ertuğrul Doğan received a 46-day ban and a 750 thousand TL fine for 'statements aimed at damaging the reputation of football and institutions,' and these decisions were upheld at the Arbitration Board's meeting on March 7. In his written statement, the Trabzonspor President argued that football has been tested for years under the shadow of injustice and that rightful struggles have been suppressed through pressure and meaningless penalties.

'INJUSTICE IS A POISON THAT TAKES ROOT WHEN IGNORED'

Stating that they continue on their path without remaining silent in the face of injustice, Doğan remarked, "Injustice is a poison that grows when compromised and takes root when ignored. Bowing to it means condemning not only today but also tomorrow to darkness."

'WE WILL NOT SURRENDER TO PRIVILEGES'

Stating that the greatest transformations are born from wills tested in the harshest ways, Doğan noted the following:

"Those who strive for a righteous cause have succeeded in turning the dirty gears of time toward justice. Because justice rises on the shoulders of those who are not afraid to defend it and who stand tall. As Trabzonspor, we are continuing this struggle not only for ourselves but for all the oppressed clubs of Anatolia. We will not bow to the unjust order on the football pitch, and we will not surrender to privileges."

'THE SUN OF TRUTH NEVER SETS'

Pointing out that the struggle they are waging is not just the case of one club, but the case of everyone whose rights have been usurped, Doğan stated, "Do not forget that even if the sun of truth disappears behind the clouds, it never sets. As those who seek justice, we had already accepted the risk of paying a price. Neither the penalties imposed nor the policies of intimidation can turn us from our path. As our late president Özkan Sümer said, we have never seen injustice as a right, and we never will. We will not remain silent against injustice."

The Turkish Football Federation's Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK) had previously imposed a total of a 46-day ban on Trabzonspor Club President Ertuğrul Doğan.

News Source: 12punto