Indictment Filed in Controversial Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe Derby

Indictment Issued for Controversial Galatasaray – Fenerbahçe Match! Jail Time Sought for Mert Hakan Yandaş and Oosterwolde!

Following the incidents after the Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe derby in the 37th week of last season’s Trendyol Süper Lig, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has completed its investigation. An indictment has been prepared, seeking prison sentences of up to 6 years and 9 months for five suspects, including Jaden Quinn Oosterwolde and Mert Hakan Yandaş.

The indictment, prepared by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, lists stadium manager Ali Çelikkıran as the “complainant” and footballers Jaden Quinn Oosterwolde and Mert Hakan Yandaş, Fenerbahçe Club doctor Ertuğrul Karanlık, former Fenerbahçe executive Hulusi Belgü, and coach İsmail Kartal’s son Emre Kartal as “suspects.”

The indictment, submitted to the Istanbul 3rd Criminal Court of First Instance, charges the five suspects with “intentional injury causing bone fractures or dislocations” and “causing disturbances and damaging facilities in sports venues,” seeking sentences ranging from 2 years and 3 months to 6 years and 9 months in prison.

According to the indictment, after the match at RAMS Park Stadium on May 19th, members of the Fenerbahçe technical staff, executives, and players entered the field to celebrate their victory, leading to the outbreak of the incidents.

The indictment states that the investigation was launched following a complaint filed by Galatasaray Sports Club, GS President Dursun Aydın Özbek, Metin Öztürk, and Erden Timur through their lawyers. It also mentions that body camera footage of the police officers on duty at the stadium was requested from the Sports Security Branch Directorate, and that the reviewed footage was found to be silent.

The indictment further notes that stadium manager Ali Çelikkıran also filed a complaint and submitted a medical report to the investigation file, which confirmed a “cervical vertebra” (neck fracture).

The indictment states that Çelikkıran’s medical reports were sent to the Istanbul Forensic Medicine Branch Directorate for evaluation, and according to the ATK report, the fracture detected in Çelikkıran’s C5 vertebra was not life-threatening but could not be treated with simple medical intervention. The report also noted that the injury moderately affected his life functions.

The indictment states that, based on the entire case file, during the incidents that occurred on the field after the match, the suspects acted together in unity of intent and action, assaulting Çelikkıran by kicking and punching him.

The indictment highlights that Hulusi Belgü pulled Çelikkıran’s hair and struck him on the back during the scuffle and that the suspects committed the crime against the complainant jointly.

No Prosecution for Fenerbahçe President Ali Koç

Meanwhile, the prosecutor’s office handling the investigation decided not to pursue charges against Fenerbahçe President Ali Koç, Administrative Manager Emir Yolaç, players Mert Müldür, Bright Osayi-Samuel, İrfan Can Eğribayat, and some Fenerbahçe board members. The allegations included “causing disturbances in sports venues and damaging facilities,” “insulting chants,” “violating workplace immunity,” “insult,” “intentional injury,” “causing bone fractures with intentional injury,” “publicly inciting crime,” “publicly inciting hatred and enmity,” and “threats.”

The investigation file concerning allegations that former Fenerbahçe board member Selahattin Baki used insulting language towards Galatasaray Sports Club Board Member Eray Yazgan during the incidents was separated and sent to the reconciliation office.