Besiktas refuse to play remainder of abandoned Turkish Cup semi-final against Fenerbahce
The Istanbul rivals clashed during the second leg leaving Besiktas coach Senol Gunes hospitalised and the club are now boycotting the match
BESIKTAS are refusing to complete the remainin 33 minutes of their Turkish Cup semi-final second leg against Fenerbahce which was abandoned last week.
Coach Senol Gunes, 65, was treated in hospital and had his head stitched after being struck by an object while assistant Erdinc Gultekin had a bloodied face as the teams clashed in ugly scenes.
The match was halted at 0-0, 2-2 on aggregate, and the Turkish authorities announced on Wednesday the final 33 minutes were to be played behind closed doors on May 3.
But Besiktas have now responded to confirm they will be boycotting the match.
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The statement read: "Even though millions saw clearly that Besiktas were the only victimised side, the Turkish Football Federation ruled that our Turkish Cup semi-final second leg against Fenerbahce should continue from where it was abandoned.
"As a club who adhere to fair-play at all times, Beşiktaş JK have decided not to take part in the said Cup game, scheduled for Thursday, 3 May 2018.
"We believe that this will be the most dignified stand for the great Besiktas supporters to have their voice heard.
"For 115 years we've always been on the field, winning or losing. We will not there on Thursday, May 3, 2018 to accept the loss at the Masada.
"We expect our supporters not to allow the tension to continue, to keep fighting for a third consecutive championship and supporting the team."
Riot police marched on to the pitch to restore order, after former Real Madrid defender Pepe had been given his own marching orders for a dangerous challenge.
The tension continued to build, with an object thrown at a Besiktas player as a corner was taken and then Gunes was hit with an object, believed to be a seat, thrown from the crowd.
Referee Mete Kalkavan ordered the players off the pitch before further brawls unfolded in the tunnel area.
In the other semi-final, Akhisar Belediyespor beat Galatasaray and have the chance to win the tournament for the first time.
Besiktas and Fenerbahce have won it 15 times between them and are separated by just two points as they both attempt to pip city rivals Galatasaray and Istanbul Basaksehir in a four-way title race.