Fenerbahce’s Champions League opening night against Roma ended in a 1-1 draw and an immediate managerial crisis, after Ismail Kartal announced his resignation in Istanbul before president Aziz Yildirim insisted the coach would remain in charge.
Fenerbahce president blocks Kartal resignation after Roma draw
Kartal declared after the first-matchday fixture at the Chobani Stadium Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu that he was stepping down, saying he had made the decision to clear the way for the club.
“Tonight, I have left my position,” Kartal told the post-match press conference. He added that he was resigning with no intention of returning, before ending his brief statement with “Good night everyone.”
Quick facts
- Fenerbahce drew 1-1 with Roma in Istanbul in their opening Champions League match.
- Bryan Cristante put Roma ahead six minutes before half-time.
- Archie Brown levelled early in the second half from a Mason Greenwood assist.
- Ismail Kartal announced his resignation after the game.
- President Aziz Yildirim said he had rejected the resignation and that Kartal remained coach.
The announcement came as a surprise after a match in which Fenerbahce had recovered from Roma’s first-half advantage. Cristante struck with six minutes of the opening period remaining, leaving the Turkish side chasing the contest after the interval.
They found their response shortly after the restart, when Brown finished Greenwood’s pass to restore parity. The point gave Fenerbahce a measured beginning to their European campaign, but the attention rapidly shifted from the pitch to the bench.
Yildirim said Kartal’s distress stemmed from an incident involving the home crowd, claiming that a water bottle had struck the coach on the head during the evening.
“That is why he resigned,” Yildirim said. “He is upset; that is the reason.” The president added that the club had received no warning that Kartal intended to quit after the final whistle.
Fenerbahce’s president was unequivocal over the outcome. “Kartal will stay at the club,” he said, maintaining that the manager was still in command and deserved the backing of the club.
Yildirim went further, saying that while he remained president, Kartal would continue as Fenerbahce coach. He described the episode as an internal family matter and made clear that he would not accept the manager’s departure.
SEO title: Fenerbahce Hold Kartal After Roma Champions League Draw
SEO description: Ismail Kartal announced his resignation after Fenerbahce’s 1-1 Champions League draw with Roma, but president Aziz Yildirim said the coach remains in charge.
