Ismail Kartal resignation shocked Fenerbahce after the coach announced his decision to step down following a bottle-throwing incident during Thursday’s 1-1 Champions League draw with Roma. Appointed by the Istanbul club in June, Kartal stated that he decided to leave the club after being hit by an object thrown from the stands at Ulker Stadyumu. His 65-year-old claimed such a decision was final and he was doing so to avoid further disruption to the club.
On the other hand, Fenerbahce president Aziz Yildirim was quick to contradict the news by announcing that he was not informed about Kartal’s decision, and that the veteran coach would stay in charge of the team.
Yildirim publicly supported Kartal and motivated all Fenerbahce fans to support him as he starts his career at the club. His action left the situation regarding Kartal’s future uncertain even after he had announced earlier that he wouldn’t be coming back. The supporter who threw the bottle was later identified and barred from the stadium, as Fenerbahce confirmed the details of the drama that marred the match.
The clash was part of an entertaining Champions League game in Istanbul. It was in the first half that Roma took control, with Bryan Cristante’s opening lead the Italian side in the first half. The hosts’ defence did not keep Fenerbahce at bay after a break and they found the net again to even the score, this time Archie Brown backfingering for Turkey.
The draw was good news for Fenerbahce on the sheet of paper in their Champions League campaign, but the ensuing furore was about Kartal. The club president’s public commitment that Kartal stay on will now be the focus as it is to be seen if the coach will continue his duties after announcing his resignation after the disturbing incident.
