Besiktas boss hit on head, Turkish Cup semi-final abandoned

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00:36

In a bizarre incident of soccer violence in Turkey, a Ziraat Turkish Cup match between Turkish clubs Fenerbahce and Besiktas was abandoned on Thursday after an object thrown from the crowd hit Besiktas head coach Senol Gunes.

The violence-marred semi-final second leg at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium was stopped a few times by referee Mete Kalkavan due to crowd trouble before postponing the match early in the second half as a result of Gunes getting struck.

The projectile from the stand hit Gunes in the 55th minute of the match. He fell to the ground and reportedly required stitches for a head injury following the incident.

Local police take away an arrested supporter during the Ziraat Turkish Cup match between Fenerbahce and Besiktas at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on April 19, 2018, in Istanbul. /VCG Photo

Besiktas president Fikret Orman confirmed Senol Gunes spent the night in hospital as a precaution.

After playing a 2-2 draw in the opening match, Fenerbahce were well poised to reach the final with Besiktas being down to 10-men as former Real Madrid defender Pepe was sent off in the first half of the second leg with the score at 0-0.

Reports said that the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) would later take a decision over the outcome of the match, which may now be replayed.

(With input from news agencies)