Fenerbahce-Galatasaray Rivalry Escalates with Basketball Controversy

Tensions between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray have spilled over from the football field to the basketball court after Fenerbahce's basketball team announced they would not release their players for international duty.

This decision comes in response to Turkish national basketball coach Ergin Ataman’s display of support for Galatasaray following their recent 3-1 victory over Fenerbahce in the Super Lig.

Ataman, who also coaches Greek side Panathinaikos, raised three fingers on one hand and one on the other during a friendly match between Panathinaikos and Galatasaray, symbolising the football score. In an Instagram post, Ataman described the gesture as "unplanned" and emphasised that he did not intend to offend anyone.

"I respect the Fenerbahce community but acknowledge that I am one of their biggest rivals on the field," he stated. However, Fenerbahce rejected his apology, asserting that his actions were a significant disrespect to their community and the dignity expected of a national team coach.

In a public statement, Fenerbahce announced their decision not to send players to the national team during Ataman's tenure, citing a lack of "dignity and impartiality."

The rivalry intensified further with Fenerbahce's football coach José Mourinho expressing discontent over Galatasaray's coach Okan Buruk. Mourinho criticised Buruk for delaying a post-match press conference after their recent game, stating, "Seventy minutes, I'm sorry, but it's a lack of respect," emphasising that he felt personally disrespected.