Ismail Kartal stays: Fenerbahce rejects coach's resignation
After an emotional resignation following a fan attack during the Roma match, Ismail Kartal has returned to work at Fenerbahce.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Author: Werner100359
Fenerbahce head coach Ismail Kartal has officially returned to his duties, refuting media reports that he had permanently stepped down. The club confirmed his return ahead of the Super Lig match against Gaziantep.
The crisis unfolded following Thursday's 1:1 home draw against Italian side AS Roma in the Champions League. During the post-match press conference, Kartal praised his players but unexpectedly announced his resignation, citing abuse from supporters and an incident where a water bottle was thrown at him during the game.
We played football worthy of the Champions League, and I am proud of my players, but tonight I am resigning from my position — and I will never return. Ismail Kartal
Fenerbahce president Aziz Yildirim flatly refused to accept the resignation, citing the unfair pressure and abuse directed at the coach. Yildirim made it clear that the club expects Kartal to continue his work despite the difficult circumstances.
Although Kartal missed Friday's training session, the internal situation has stabilized. Fenerbahce, currently sitting in 11th place in the Super Lig, now looks to focus on improving its domestic league performance under the continuing leadership of the coach.