Charges dropped in controversial derby incident between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce

The Istanbul Public Prosecutor's Office announced that it would not press charges against three people, including Galatasaray player Kerem Akturkoglu.

The decision was made following an investigation into a post-match incident during the derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce in the Trendyol Süper Lig.

Fenerbahce had filed a lawsuit against several Galatasaray officials and players following the derby, which took place on May 19, 2024 and ended with a 1-0 victory for Fenerbahce.

Fenerbahce claimed that the team and staff were physically prevented from celebrating the victory on the pitch by Galatasaray staff.

The situation escalated into a physical altercation between members of both clubs. The complaint contained accusations of “intentional bodily harm”, “theft” and “obstructing the exercise of freedom of thought and expression”.

Lack of evidence leads to dismissal of charges in Fenerbahce's post-match complaint

The prosecution concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations. In particular, the investigation did not reveal any concrete evidence linking the defendants to the alleged crimes. The prosecution stated: “There is no video evidence that Akturkoglu or Galatasaray general secretary Eray Yazgan were involved in any criminal activities during the incident.”

The investigation also found that while Fenerbahce claimed that Rams Park stadium manager Ali Celikkiran attacked the team members and confiscated their flag, surveillance footage did not confirm these allegations.

The prosecutor further clarified that Celikkiran's actions, such as his attempt to prevent the Fenerbahce team from taking photos with their flag, did not constitute the crimes he was accused of. “Celikkiran did not use force or violence, and therefore his actions cannot be considered as an accusation of theft,” the office concluded.

Impact on Galatasaray’s captaincy, ongoing legal proceedings against other

Despite the charges being dismissed, the incident had a significant impact on the dynamic between the two clubs. In a related development, Galatasaray did not reinstate Kerem Akturkoglu as captain during a subsequent match against Young Boys.

Akturkoglu commented on the situation as follows: “I have tried to fulfil the captain's role to the best of my ability and to bear this title with honour. Even without the captain's armband, I will continue to take the initiative on and off the pitch when necessary.”

Meanwhile, charges have been brought against five other people, including Fenerbahce players Jaden Quinn Oosterwolde and Mert Hakan Yandas.

These individuals face possible prison sentences for their involvement in the brawl. The case has been submitted to the Third Criminal Court of First Instance in Istanbul.