At a night gathering at Raffles Hotel, Süheyl Batum, one of many presidential candidates for Galatasaray, outlined his imaginative and prescient, objectives, and tasks to the membership’s congress members.
The occasion was marked by Batum’s handle regarding the aftermath of Sunday’s Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe derby.
Batum started by expressing gratitude to former Galatasaray presidents Ünal Aysal and Alp Yalman earlier than addressing the earlier evening’s derby incidents.
“We had a different presentation planned, but the events of last night have changed that,” Batum mentioned, referencing the extremely charged match.
Reflecting on the derby, Batum mentioned, “It was a significant and sorrowful night for Turkish and world football, justice, law, ethics, and morality.”
He lamented Galatasaray’s loss to their archrivals, Fenerbahçe, however emphasised a extra distressing challenge: the invasion of their stadium.
“Our stadium, our home, was stormed. The current administration under Dursun Özbek has turned this club into an easily targeted entity. It started with threats against Erden Timur. We asked what was being done about it, and they told us not to worry. But last night, they crossed the line by invading our home,” he mentioned.
Batum detailed the assault on the stadium supervisor by people allegedly linked to the Fenerbahçe coach’s son.
“This is unacceptable. If the current administration doesn’t act, we will,” Batum declared.
He additionally criticized Fenerbahçe President Ali Koç for threatening Galatasaray’s secretary normal, Eray Yazgan, and for instigating violence throughout the stadium.
Rezan Epözdemir, a member of Batum’s administration staff, highlighted points with the Riva mission, revealing that Galatasaray had misplaced $300 million.
He emphasised that the membership’s rights and pursuits weren’t defended, and significant info was withheld below the guise of confidentiality.
In a press convention, President Dursun Özbek introduced felony complaints towards Ali Koç and his entourage for his or her actions post-derby.
Özbek accused Koç of getting into the stadium with armed guards, inciting violence, and disrespecting Galatasaray’s legacy. “Everything is on camera. We will hold Ali Koç accountable for every act,” Özbek vowed.
The Lions’ president suspended all election-related actions, emphasizing the membership’s deal with securing their twenty fourth championship. “No election is more important than this championship. Our only goal is victory,” he asserted.
He condemned Koç’s actions as pretend bravado, criticizing his habits as divisive and harmful.
“Provoking people and turning communities against each other is nothing but treason. This is not the conduct of someone who cares about Turkey’s happiness and peace,” Özbek mentioned.
Despite the turmoil, Özbek emphasised the unity and resilience of Galatasaray.
“Our determination and strength come from our commitment to doing the right thing,” he mentioned. Sports Deputy Director Erden Timur echoed these sentiments, affirming their deal with profitable the championship and sustaining solidarity.
Timur criticized the police’s dealing with of the stadium invasion, stating that the police, who had been supposed to make sure safety, as an alternative allowed the aggressors free rein.
He additionally highlighted the systemic points inside Turkish soccer governance which have led to such incidents.
Both Özbek and Timur remained steadfast of their dedication to Galatasaray’s values and success.
They referred to as for justice and accountability, urging all concerned to uphold the integrity of the game and the membership.
Source: www.dailysabah.com