Besiktas has formally requested UEFA to relocate their Europa League match against FC Twente scheduled for January 30, 2025, due to serious safety concerns stemming from the city of Enschede's recent fan ban.
The controversy erupted following Enschede Mayor Roelof Bleker's announcement on December 13, stating Besiktas fans would not be allowed at the Grolsch Veste Stadium. He based this decision on “previous public order disturbances” involving Besiktas supporters during European competitions, citing the high-risk nature of the event.
Following the mayor's pronouncement, Besiktas issued strong criticism, declaring the fan ban discriminatory. An official statement from the club asserted, “Although our vice presidents have committed to taking all safety measures, we see Bleker’s decision as discrimination.”
This decision extends the already tense relations following similar incidents with fans of other Turkish clubs, drawing considerable attention to the mayor's stance.
Besiktas Vice Presidents Onur Gocmez and Mete Vardar had previously met with local authorities and UEFA representatives on December 17, attempting to assuage concerns and clarify their commitment to implementing all necessary safety protocols. Despite these efforts, the discussion concluded with Bleker maintaining his ban.
Besiktas, facing the dilemma of not playing with their supporters, announced they would prefer to host the match elsewhere, stating, "We do not want to play the FC Twente match in Enschede, where even the mayor claims safety cannot be guaranteed." They recommended alternative venues either within the Netherlands or even abroad, where both teams' fans could attend the match safely.
The situation reached another peak when Bleker reiterated his decision through formal correspondence on December 20, reinforcing the city's position on fan exclusion amid fears of possible unrest during the match. He stated, “Safety cannot be guaranteed,” emphasizing the need for the city to protect its citizens.
The police categorized the event as ‘high-risk’ and raised concerns about potential disturbances, reflecting on prior encounters involving Besiktas fans. Such incidents have placed the club under scrutiny, complicaton its relationship with local jurisdictions.
Besiktas has since initiated steps through UEFA and the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to contest the mayor’s ruling, advocating for fair treatment of their supporters. Critically, they asserted their intent to secure fan rights, saying, “We have taken steps through UEFA and the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to challenge this unjust decision.”
The club has reinforced its stand, not only as defenders of their fans but also as advocates for the integrity of the sport. The final decision from UEFA on Besiktas's request to relocate the match remains pending, leaving fans and stakeholders anxiously awaiting clarity on the situation.
Meanwhile, parallels have been drawn to another incident involving Fenerbahce, another Turkish club which faced similar scrutiny during their recent match against Twente. Such comparisons amplify concerns of discrimination faced by Turkish clubs and their supporters when competing abroad.
Mayor Bleker's prohibition of visiting fans has reignited debates on safety, discrimination, and the rights of supporters to witness their teams play. Some observers question whether such measures truly uphold safety or unjustly penalize fans for the actions of some.
Besiktas has not shied away from affirming their commitment to ensuring safety and fair treatment for their supporters, pledging to pursue all avenues to advocate for their fans. They concluded their statements by articulately emphasizing, “We aim to be assured of fairness and safety for all participants.”
With tensions mounting, the football community will closely monitor UEFA's response, which could set precedence for future matches involving fans of clubs facing similar restrictions.
