Match Abandonment and Club Crisis

The president of Adana Demirspor in the Turkish Super League, Bedirhan Burak, resigned this Monday, a day after his team left the field in the 34th minute of their match against Galatasaray, protesting a penalty called against them.

Morata’s first goal in Turkish football came after a penalty was called on Belgian forward Dries Mertens, who appeared to simulate a foul by defender Semih Güler.

Following multiple protests, believing the penalty was unjust, the players of Adana Demirspor decided to walk off the pitch in the 34th minute.

Reactions and Consequences

The team’s decision to abandon the match has reignited controversy over refereeing in Turkey. Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray's main title rival and second in the standings with 54 points, claimed on social media that this incident was yet another example of alleged favoritism towards the Istanbul club this season.

Bedirhan Burak's resignation was announced this morning in a post on X, where he explained that, despite his efforts, the situation had become untenable.

"I regret that we have reached a point of no return. For the good of my club, my family, my loved ones, and my health, I inform all our supporters that I am stepping down as president," he stated.

This episode comes in the midst of growing tension in Turkish football, where Fenerbahçe coach José Mourinho has openly criticized referees, and the country's biggest clubs frequently accuse each other of misconduct.

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) is expected to make an official ruling in the coming days regarding the match abandonment, with the possibility of awarding a 3-0 victory to Galatasaray and penalizing Adana Demirspor with a three-point deduction.