Fenerbahce Withdraws Players Amid Ataman's Gesture Controversy

Turkish basketball club Fenerbahce has pulled its players from international duty in response to a provocative gesture by national team head coach Ergin Ataman. The incident occurred during a friendly match between Panathinaikos and Galatasaray, igniting outrage among Fenerbahce supporters. Fenerbahce declared their players would not return as long as Ataman remained in his position.

In a significant move, Turkish basketball club Fenerbahce has withdrawn its players from international duty. The decision came after national team head coach Ergin Ataman made a controversial gesture during a friendly match between Panathinaikos and Galatasaray.

The incident, which took place on Tuesday, saw Ataman holding up one and then three fingers to the crowd, a gesture that appeared to reference Galatasaray's recent 3-1 soccer victory over Fenerbahce.

The provocative act has triggered widespread outrage among Fenerbahce fans, leading the club to issue a statement condemning Ataman's actions. According to Fenerbahce, their players will not return to the national team as long as Ataman remains in his position. Ataman has since apologized, stating, 'It was in no way my intention to target or offend any community when I did this,' but the club remains unappeased.

(With inputs from agencies.)