Stern Statement from Besiktas: He Will Immediately Hang Up His Whistle

Besiktas issued a written statement regarding the events that occurred during the Galatasaray match last night. In the statement from the black-and-white club, it was said that the referee of the derby, Arda Kardesler, “will immediately hang up his whistle.”

The statement made on the black-and-white club’s website included the following remarks:

“The TFF management had come to office by declaring that they would ensure justice in football, would not forgive mistakes, and would, so to speak, open a new page before the elections. However, it was seen last night that nothing has changed in Turkish football! The organized evil gang continues its activities as before. The way the match played last night was handed to the opposing side has been explained by all the football authorities in the country, along with evidence and reasons, and it has shown those who came to office claiming they would overthrow this organized evil gang. The sweat of our players is valuable and sacred. We will never allow that labor to be stolen! Therefore, we would like to make it clear that the hero of the latest operation, Arda Kardesler, will immediately hang up his whistle! Like everyone with a mind and conscience, we are aware of the entire system established to protect a club in Turkey. From fixture arrangements to illegal betting sponsorships, and from there to ticket black markets, will you allow their growth, despite the promises you made? We, as Besiktas, want justice for everyone, not privileges like others. As we advocate for common sense, those who turn a blind eye to the published swing animation that aggravates the country’s football and openly insults two esteemed clubs are those who have been swinging on the seesaw for years alongside them. We call for sensitivity against those who seek to gain from the TFF by using shortcuts to protect the rights of all football clubs that are victimized, not just for ourselves. Do not serve populism, take action! For you must not forget that your reason for sitting in those chairs is to establish competitive equality and justice in Turkish football. We are Besiktas! We will never allow the public theft of our players’ labor or the disappointment of our fans! Last night was a turning point for Turkish football. This should be known! We play with honor and win with our rights! We, the Besiktas fans, also know how to remind those we invite to behave when they continue to act inappropriately on every platform.”