ISTANBUL, April 30 (Reuters) - Fenerbahce lost precious ground on arch rivals Galatasaray in the race for the Turkish championship after losing 1-0 at Trabzonspor at the weekend in a game marred by pre-match violence.
The Istanbul side hit the woodwork four times but failed to
find the net and now find themselves three points behind with
four games remaining. Trabzonspor captain Hami Mandirali's
sealed the issue with a first-half goal.
Fenerbahce had led Galatasaray by eight points at the start
of April. Galatasaray now have 67 points to Fener's 64.
Newspapers said 14 people were injured in Trabzon in
pre-match fighting between visiting Fenerbahce supporters and
local fans.
The Anatolian news agency said police had confiscated kebab
knives, chains, and baseball bats hidden on buses carrying some
visiting fans.
Fenerbahce host Galatasaray next weekend for an Istanbul
derby match that the team from the Asian side of the city will
have to win to keep their championship hopes alive.
Galatasaray are now on course for a fifth straight first
division title after Gheorghe Hagi returned from suspension to
score twice in a 4-1 away victory over Adanaspor on Saturday.
- NEWS