Galatasaray lifted 19th title trophy

Galatasaray lifted its championship trophy as Istanbul BB was the losing side in a dramatic relegation battle of the Spor Toto Super League on May 18.

The Lions beat Trabzonspor 2-0 in a match the sole meaning of which was to precede the hosts’ 19th Super League title celebrations.

The Galatasaray vs. Trabzonspor game started five minutes later than the other three matches to coincide with 19:05, to signify the club’s foundation year.

The Istanbul giants had already guaranteed the championship on May 5 when they crushed Sivasspor 4-2. “I congratulate my players and everyone who has a share in this championship,” said coach Fatih Terim.

Terim watched the match from the stands because last month he was hit with a nine-game ban by the Turkish Football Federation over a furious outburst against the referee during a league game.

The team’s management had announced earlier that there would be no big celebrations because of the May 11 bomb attacks in a Turkish town near the Syrian border that killed 52 people, and the murder of a 19-year-old Fenerbahce fan on May 12.

This year’s victory for Galatasaray means a 19th title, breaking the deadlock with its archrival, and another Istanbul giant, Fenerbahce, who has won 18.

After the final whistle, Galatasaray players held the trophy and made the rounds at the stadium, but the board said the real celebrations would be held at the beginning of next season.


/HurriyetDalynews.Com/