GALATASARAY and Fenerbahce's heated derby was interrupted after a raft of flares were thrown in the stands. The historic clash between the two bitter rivals had everything except goals as the two Istanbul foes played out a goalless draw at the RAMS Park.
![[Fenerbahce supporters lighting red flares behind a protective barrier at a football match.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/fenerbahces-supporters-light-red-flares-974855795.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Tensions were sky high before kick-off as the two sets of players refused to shake hands after making their way onto the pitch. And Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic had to interrupt the clash in the 52nd minute due to crowd trouble. According to Hurriyet, Fener fans threw torches they lit towards Galata fans.
![[Fenerbahce fans igniting flares in the stands.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-fenerbahce-fans-flares-stands-974845947.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Scary scenes ensued despite the unusually stricter security measures, which saw the presence of 30,000 police officers. However, the match was restarted after the authorities intervened and regained control. Jose Mourinho's side was desperate for the three points to cut down the deficit with Galatasaray.
![[Fans lighting flares at a Galatasaray soccer match.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/supporters-turkish-superlig-match-galatasaray-974845424.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
And the visitors almost pulled it off on 67 minutes with the biggest chance of the match. Fenerbahce star Filip Kostic delivered a corner-kick that was met by Alexander Djiku's header. However, Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera produced a stunning double save as he denied Djiku and then Edin Djeko who came close to scoring from the rebound.
![[Police officers with shields at a soccer game.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/security-measures-taken-end-turkish-974856089.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
