Fenerbahce released a statement and called out Panathinaikos head coach Ergin Ataman for a gesture he made during Wednesday’s preseason game between the Greens and Galatasaray.
Ataman, a Galatasaray fan and former coach, celebrated the football team’s victory over Fenerbahce last weekend (1-3), but his gesture didn’t go unnoticed from Fener, which released a statement to announce that its players will not join the Turkish NT unless Ergin Ataman resigns.
“The National Team is everyone’s team. Every person who is a part of this team has to act with awareness of this situation, and it is their responsibility. This action is a great disrespect to our community, the dignity the National Team Coach carries and even to our country for the sake of currying favor with a community. His apology statement to our community is ignored by us. As Fenerbahce Sports Club, we would like to inform the public that we have decided not to send athletes to our Men’s National Team during the term of this person, who has exceeded his limits, in this position that requires indispensable qualities such as respect and impartiality,” Fenerbahce’s statement reads.
Cenk Çınar: “Ergin Ataman Galatasaray taraftarının tezahüratlarından sonra tribünlere 3-1 göndermesi yaptı ve büyük alkış aldı.” pic.twitter.com/Ue3nKio0hQ
— Peşindeyiz Galatasaray! (@PesindeyizApp) September 24, 2024
Using his hands, Ergin Ataman showed 3-1 to Galatasaray fans, and even though he took to his Instagram account to apologize, it is unclear if and how his actions will affect his stint as head coach of the Turkish NT.
