The Turkish football scene witnessed yet another contentious turn as Ecmel Faik Sarialioglu, the president of Istanbulspor, took an unprecedented step during a charged match against Trabzonspor. In a heated dispute over a non-called penalty, Sarialioglu ordered his players off the field in the 73rd minute, causing a dramatic suspension of the game.

The catalyst for this controversial move stemmed from a pivotal moment where the referee refrained from awarding a penalty before Paul Onuachu netted a crucial goal, tipping the scales in favor of Trabzonspor with a 2-1 lead at the Necmi Kadıoglu Stadium. Follow your favourite football team with attractive football betting odds from Nextbet.

Sarialioglu’s decision mirrored the recent upheaval that rocked Turkish football when referee Halil Umut Meler was physically attacked following a Super Lig match between Caykur Rizespor and MKE Ankaragucu. The fallout from that incident saw Faruk Koca, the Ankaragucu president, resign and receive a ban from the Turkish Football Federation for assaulting Meler.

“Despite attempts by Trabzonspor’s president Ertugrul Dogan and several Istanbulspor players to convince Sarıalioglu to resume the match, Istanbulspor abandoned the field,” reported the state-run Anadolu Agency.

The abrupt walkout plunged the match into suspension, leaving the Turkish Football Federation to navigate a resolution for this unprecedented situation. The Federation’s impending decision regarding the game’s fate now hangs in the balance.

The Turkish football fraternity finds itself embroiled in successive controversies, raising concerns about the sporting spirit and disciplinary integrity within the league. With a decision pending, the aftermath of this impasse remains a focal point in the ongoing football saga in Turkey.

The incident further underscores the escalating tensions surrounding officiating decisions and their consequential impact on game outcomes, amplifying the urgency for fair play and measures to preserve the sanctity of the sport. Get the latest updates from the world of football only on Nextbet Sports.