Indictment Prepared for the Controversial Galatasaray – Fenerbahçe Match!

Following the controversial events that occurred after the 37th-week match between Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe in the Trendyol Süper Lig last season, the prosecutor’s office has completed the investigation and prepared an indictment. The indictment requests 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, includes 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 the son of coach İsmail Kartal, Emre Kartal, as “suspects.”

The indictment, sent to the Istanbul 3rd Criminal Court of First Instance, requests 2 years and 3 months to 6 years and 9 months of imprisonment for the five suspects on charges of “intentional injury causing fractures or dislocations” and “disturbance and damage to sports facilities.”

The indictment describes that the incidents occurred after the match on May 19 at RAMS Park Stadium, when the Fenerbahçe technical staff, managers, and players entered the field to celebrate their victory. The indictment states that a complaint was filed with the prosecutor’s office by Galatasaray Club, GS President Dursun Aydın Özbek, Metin Öztürk, and Erden Timur through their lawyers, leading to the investigation of the suspects. It also mentions that body camera footage from police officers on the field was requested from the Sports Security Branch Directorate, reviewed, and found to be silent.

The indictment includes details that stadium manager Ali Çelikkıran has also filed a complaint and presented a medical report showing a “cervical vertebra” (neck fracture). Çelikkıran’s medical reports were sent to the Istanbul Forensic Medicine Branch Directorate, which confirmed that the C5 vertebra spinous process fracture identified was not life-threatening but had a moderate effect on life functions and required more than a simple medical intervention.

The indictment asserts that the suspects acted in concert to assault Çelikkıran with kicks and punches during the post-match incidents on the field. It also notes that Hulusi Belgü grabbed Çelikkıran’s hair and hit him on the back during the scuffle, indicating that the suspects committed the crime in collusion.

• No Prosecution for Fenerbahçe President Ali Koç

On the other hand, the prosecutor’s office decided not to prosecute Fenerbahçe Club President Ali Koç, Administrative Manager Emir Yolaç, players Mert Müldür, Bright Osayi Samuel, İrfan Can Eğribayat, and some board members of Fenerbahçe, among 17 people, regarding allegations of “disruption in sports facilities and damage to premises,” “insulting chants,” “violating workplace sanctity,” “insult,” “intentional injury,” “causing fractures with intentional injury,” “public incitement to commit crimes,” “incitement to hatred and hostility,” and “threats.”

The investigation into allegations that former Fenerbahçe board member Selahattin Baki insulted Galatasaray Club’s Board Secretary Eray Yazgan during the incidents has been separated and sent to the mediation office.