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Besiktas have refused to play the rescheduled final 33 minutes of their Turkish Cup semifinal against Fenerbahce. The Istanbul rivals, who drew 2-2 in March's first leg, were unable to finish the return fixture at Fenerbahce's Sukru Saracoglu stadium on April 19 as trouble in the stands spread to the benches and the tunnel. Besiktas coach Senol Gunes was struck on the head by an object thrown from the crowd and the game was called off by the referee in the 57th minute, with the second-leg scoreline locked at 0-0. It was announced by the Turkish Football Federation on Wednesday that the teams would play the rest of that game behind closed doors on Thursday, May 3. However, Besiktas say they will play no part and effectively look to have withdrawn from the competition. The club said on Thursday: "Even though the millions clearly saw that the visitors Besiktas were the only victimised side at Kadikoy [the district of Istanbul where Fenerbahce are based], the Turkish Football Federation ruled that our Turkish Cup semifinals second leg against Fenerbahce would continue from where it was abandoned. "As a club who adhere to fair play at all times, Besiktas JK have decided not to take part in the said cup game, scheduled for Thursday, 3 May 2018.'' Akhisar Belediyespor, who knocked out Super Lig leaders Galatasaray, are already through to the final, which is scheduled to be contested on Tuesday, May 8.
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