Besiktas manager injured as violence erupts in abandoned Istanbul derby

Warning: Story contains graphic images

Crowd trouble in the Turkish Cup semi-final between Fenerbahce and Besiktas left visiting manager Senol Gunes injured and requiring five stitches as the second leg was abandoned at 0-0 on Thursday.

Sky Sports reports Besiktas boss Gunes was struck by an object thrown by Fenerbahce fans and suffered a head wound as a result, dropping to the ground and holding his head near the hour mark.

Gunes was helped to his feet and taken down the tunnel of the Sukru Saracoglu stadium to receive treatment. The rest of Besiktas’ players, coaches, and staff exited the match soon after, causing proceedings to be abandoned by the referee.

The Guardian adds Gunes was taken to hospital to treat his injury.

Footage seemingly showing a Besiktas staff member being beaten also emerged after the match:

The rivalry between the Turkish giants splits the city of Istanbul, and games between the two have a history of violence. The 2-2 first-leg draw featured a pair of red cards, issued to Fenerbahce pair Alper Potuk in the 44th minute and goalkeeper Volkan Demirel in the 76th, and the second leg, before its abandonment, saw Besiktas’ Pepe sent off for a mistimed lunging tackle at the half-hour mark.

The heated play on the pitch likely stoked the trouble in the stands. Fans of Fenerbahce aimed objects at Besiktas players during corner kicks, with the home players urging their own supporters to calm down, to no avail.