Fenerbahce manager Ismail Kartal announced his resignation moments after being struck by a bottle thrown from the stands during Thursday's Champions League draw with Roma, stunning his own players in the process.
The 65-year-old, who returned to Fenerbahce in June for his fourth spell in charge, was hit by the bottle from fans positioned behind the dugout as his side drew 1-1 with Roma at home. He announced his decision to step down immediately in his post-match news conference.
Kartal, who previously played for and served as an assistant coach at Fenerbahce, told reporters he had no intention of ever returning to the club. He departs with Fenerbahce ninth in the Turkish Super Lig after two wins and two defeats, and having played just one match in this season's Champions League.
"I have been here three months. From the beginning of the season until today, the training sessions and camps we held with the players, and the efforts of our president, have been very helpful. Those were wonderful days," Kartal said.
"As of this evening, I congratulate my players and resign from my position," he continued. "I made this decision to pave the way for my club. We made this decision together as a team. From now on, to help Fenerbahce, my players and future coaches, I have resigned from my position, with the intention of never returning."
Players caught off guard
The announcement blindsided both club officials and the squad. Archie Brown, who scored Fenerbahce's goal against Roma, was left stunned when told of the news during a live interview.
"What do you mean he resigned? As coach? He's not the coach any more? He said this just now? I didn't know about this," said the 24-year-old defender, who has represented England at Under-20 level.
President refuses to accept resignation
Club president Aziz Yildirim has since said he does not accept Kartal's resignation. "Ismail Kartal is still in charge. The club should support our coach. Until I leave, Ismail Kartal is the coach of Fenerbahce," he said in a statement on the club's website.
Yildirim criticised the reaction of Fenerbahce's supporters and the media, arguing that the club's achievement in reaching the Champions League for the first time in 18 years was being overlooked. "We say Fenerbahce fans are crying, children are sad. Aren't the children happy now? They come to the matches wearing their jerseys, Fenerbahce fans come, everyone comes. But you've demonized this. You've tainted the success," he said.
"Fenerbahce fans should protect the values of their club; not just the players, coaches, and managers, but the values of the entire community. Those who comment on television are demonising things. They're driving people away from the club or forcing them to resign."
Yildirim confirmed he had spoken to Kartal after the press conference, with the coach citing both the bottle incident and the pressure of the role as reasons for his decision. "This community should support Ismail Kartal. You can't show support by throwing punches at him like this," Yildirim said. "Ismail Kartal doesn't need to say he'll continue. I am his senior. I said he'll continue, and that's it. We're a family."
Bottle thrower identified
A club statement said the person responsible for throwing the bottle had been identified and had given a statement following instructions from Istanbul prosecutors. A stadium ban has been issued against the individual.
Kartal is a club legend at Fenerbahce, having won two league titles among six trophies during his playing career there before spending four years as an assistant coach. He led the club to the Turkish Super Cup in 2014 during his first spell as manager.
