Ismail Kartal resigns after Fenerbahçe 1-1 draw with Roma | OneFootball

After the 1-1 draw with Roma in the Champions League group opener on Thursday, Fenerbahçe head coach Ismail Kartal announced his resignation at the post-match press conference in Istanbul. He said he was stepping down while there was still time and did not intend to return.

He was appointed in June and had taken Fenerbahçe into the Champions League by overcoming Lyon in the play-offs, 1-1 then 2-1. On HT Spor, former club communications director Alper Yemeniciler noted the coach had faced fierce criticism from observers and fans, not only for the football but even for how he spoke or dressed.

Club president Aziz Yıldırım said he had rejected the resignation, suggesting it stemmed from a supporter throwing a bottle at the coach during the match. He added that Kartal spoke of pressure and medication, noting he himself takes 30 different medicines, and insisted that, while he remains in charge, Kartal will stay in post.

Full-back Archie Brown was taken aback when told mid-interview about the decision, saying he was only just hearing it.

The episode left the club in shock in Istanbul.

Source: Le Progres

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”