Reports from the Netherlands this morning suggested that Besiktas did not want to play their Europa League match against FC Twente at the Grolsch Jacket.
The news came after Enschede Mayor Roelof Bleker recently informed the 16-time Süper Lig winners that their supporters would not be welcome at the match on January 30 due to fears of crowd unrest.
Bleker based his decision on “previous public order disturbances” involving Besiktas fans. He informed the Black Eagles that their supporters would therefore not be allowed to travel to Enschede. In an official press release, Besiktas disagreed, citing prejudicial issues.
“Even though our vice presidents are committed to taking all safety measures, we consider Bleker’s decision to be discrimination. We do not want to play the match against FC Twente in Enschede, where the mayor Roelof Bleker himself said that security could not be guaranteed.
“We have submitted a request to UEFA for the match to be played in another city or country, where fans of both clubs can sit in the stands in a friendly and safe manner.”
