Sasa Djordjevic: 'Derby without fans is not a derby' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: D.Repečka/BasketNews Credit D.Repečka/BasketNews

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul won against their eternal rivals Galatasaray NEF in the semi-finals of Bitci Turkish Cup 2022 and grabbed their tickets for the final.

Points this season

44%85,3Points made:85,3Accuracy:44,2%Place in standings:2Record max:101Record min:72Best scorer:DeVaughn Akoon-PurcellTeamBCLStatisticsSchedule

However, the entire game atmosphere was lessened by the expulsion of the fans from both sides in the late 3rd quarter, 1:26 left. Fenerbahce Beko was leading by 9 points (46-37) when the refs stopped the game as the final announcement came, indicating that the stands need to be emptied.

The reason for that was repetitive lousy language in the chants and some unrest in the crowds that resulted in crackers being thrown around.

"Derby without fans is not a derby," Sasa Djordjevic said after the game. "I think we all together -not only us but also them- need to put them in the game. I know there were some insults, but this is the case all over the world, in many derbies."

From that point on, the tone of the game turned to grey. Fenerbahce never gave the game control to Galatasaray, who missed their fan's energy to come back once again.

"Yelling, screaming... More than 40 years in my professional life, I had this," Djordjevic continued. "I think we need to step up to make them be in the game. Once in a lifetime, you have to a big group of fans coming together, so that is special."

Subscribe to BN+ and get access to exclusive content.