Football: Istanbul derby abandoned as violence erupts

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - The derby between Istanbul football giants Fenerbahce and Besiktas has been abandoned by the referee after the visiting manager got injured by objects flung from the stands.

The Ziraat Turkish Cup semifinal’s second leg was held at Fenerbahce's home ground, Ulker Stadium.

In the 30th minute Besiktas' Portuguese central defender Pepe was sent off for a harsh sliding tackle against Fenerbahce midfielder Josef de Souza.

During the derby, Besiktas left-back Caner Erkin, who is a former Fenerbahce regular, was booed by Fenerbahce fans when he possessed the ball.

The first half in Kadikoy ended 0-0.

In the beginning of the second half, some sections of Fenerbahce crowd threw several objects such as plastic bottles and coins to Besiktas bench including team manager Senol Gunes. So the game was stopped in 57th minute by the referee for a while.

Gunes, who got hit by objects thrown to the pitch and the visitors bench, received several stitches in his head, according to A Spor TV channel.

Gunes was reportedly taken to hospital by an ambulance.

Besiktas players and the referees left the pitch following the incident, while Fenerbahce went to their dressing room after the match was abandoned.

Turkish Football Federation (TFF) will give the final decision about the match.

The first leg at Besiktas' home Vodafone Park had ended 2-2. On Wednesday Akhisarspor ousted Galatasaray and reached the final.